Scorching summer days may cause a certain amount of discomfort but according to latest research, summer has many benefits for your heart. With longer vacation days, a higher level of outdoor activity, a desire to drink more water and eat lighter meals, the summer months can give your heart some much-needed respite.

However, summer can also prove to be difficult for existing heart patients, who must take special precautions, as certain heart medications can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.

At Billion Hearts Beating we are celebrating summer all month long with loads of ideas and advice on how to make the season work for your heart.

REGULATING YOUR EXERCISE DIET THIS SUMMER

While proteins are an essential part of any exercise diet, research has suggested that protein intake needs to be carefully regulated during summer. Protein intake before a sweat session could elevate your basal temperature, making you feel even hotter and placing an added burden on your heart. Instead, save that energy bar for after your workout, when it will help you rebuild muscle.

BEAT THE HEAT WITH
FLAT TUMMY WATER

Fix yourself a refreshing, heart healthy drink in minutes.

Recipe:

6 cups filtered water
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 cucumber, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1/3 cup mind leaves

Let the mixture infuse overnight. Drink it all the next day.

WATERMELON GETS
A LITTLE SWEETER

Long a summertime favorite, watermelon is a good source of lycopene. Lycopene is known to reduce the risk of heart desease and has only 46 calories per cup.

Studies say that specific nutrients in watermelon also help reduce blood pressure.

GO NUTS THIS SUMMER

Nuts contain healthy fats and protein. Pistachios are satiating, fiber-packed and have fewer calories than other nuts.

They also meet the criteria for heart-healthy food. Consider packing some walnuts, cashews and almonds as a no-prep snack option and stay away from fast food in the summer.

IN SUMMER, OUR “GOOD” CHOLESTEROL, CALLED HDL, INCREASES BY ABOUT 5 PERCENT.

BERRIES, MANGOES, CITRUS FRUIT AND GUAVAS ARE NOT ONLY DELICIOUS BUT HELP REDUCE THE BUILD UP OF CHOLESTEROL.

TOMATOES CONTAIN LYCOPENE WHICH HELPS REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND ALSO HELPS YOU STAY HYDRATED DURING SUMMER.

BOTH CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL CAUSE DEHYDRATION DURING SUMMER AND INCREASE THE BURDEN ON YOUR HEART.

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