Every year on September 29, people around the world come together to celebrate World Heart Day. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about heart disease and promote preventive measures to combat cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the day serves as an important reminder of the importance of heart health. In 2023, the theme “Use Heart, No Heart” emphasizes the use of emojis to convey the significance of the day and the importance of heart wisdom. The theme for World Heart Day in 2023, “Use Heart,” encourages the use of the heart emoji as a symbol to promote the theme and importance of the day. Emojis are a universal form of communication that transcends language barriers, making them a powerful tool for conveying important messages. The heart emoji serves as a visual representation of love, care, and attention to heart health. “Know Your Heart” underlines the importance of knowledge about heart health. Many people lack essential information about cardiovascular wellness. By raising awareness and educating individuals about their hearts, this theme empowers people to take control of their well-being. When people know more about their hearts, they can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to maintain heart health.

Cardiovascular disease is a global health crisis, killing more than 20.5 million people annually. Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure are responsible for a significant portion of these deaths. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 31% of all global deaths. Heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease are among the most common culprits. The concept of a global World Heart Day was introduced by Antoni Bai de Luna, former President of the World Heart Association. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, World Heart Day was officially established in 1999. The first official celebration took place on September 24, 2000. For more than a decade, World Heart Day was celebrated on the last Sunday of September. In 2012, global leaders recognized the urgency of reducing mortality due to non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. They set a target of reducing these deaths by 25% by 2025. To achieve this mission, World Heart Day was shifted to its current date of 29 September. More than 90 countries now participate in organizing awareness campaigns and events to educate people about cardiovascular health.

Heart diseases like heart attack and cardiac attack are increasing very fast. Behind this lies the problem of a weak heart. But, the heart can be strengthened by including some healthy foods in the diet. These healthy vegetables and fruits keep the heart always young by keeping away diseases like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Let us know which are the healthy foods for the heart.

1. EAT GREEN VEGETABLES FOR A HEALTHY HEART

American Heart Association i.e. AHA says that green vegetables should be consumed to keep the heart strong. Because, green and leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cabbage have a high amount of nutrition, which helps in keeping heart diseases like high blood pressure and cholesterol away.

2. EAT WHOLE GRAINS

The AHA says to include whole grains daily in a heart-healthy diet. Because, consuming whole grains prevents diseases like heart disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

3. LEGUMES ARE HEALTHY FOR THE HEART

Lentils, grams, and other legumes have good amounts of fiber and protein, which are essential for a healthy heart. At the same time, this food does not allow cholesterol to increase in the blood, which improves heart health.

4. VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Virgin olive oil is healthy for the heart, which provides monounsaturated fats to the body. Apart from olive oil, other oils contain more trans fat, which creates the risk of increased cholesterol and blockage of blood.

5. HEALTHY FRUITS FOR HEART

If you want to strengthen your heart, then include fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, oranges in your heart diet. By consuming these, the heart gets essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, which help in keeping heart diseases away.