This Valentine’s Day, it’s important to think about your heart health alongside your emotional health. Start protecting your heart this Valentine’s with these five tips:

1. Eat heart healthy foods

There are several benefits in choosing to eat healthy foods, with many vital natural ingredients that do wonders for your heart. Broccoli is a heart health superfood, containing properties that support heart health and healthly blood vessels. Magnesium-rich foods such as avocado support cardiovascular health and regulate blood pressure. Other heart healthy foods include turmeric, salmon and dark leafy greens.

2. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated hosts several benefits to your health. Hydration supports bodily functions such as digestion, circulation, and the transportation of nutrients. Research suggests water can dilute the blood, making it less likely to clot.

3. Toast to good health

Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols which help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Red wine is also thought to assist in increasing levels of the good HDL cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. However, like all alcohol, red wine should be consumed in moderation.

4. Supplement

Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body’s cells convert energy, and also supports the health of major organs, including the heart. Ubiquinol is the most readily absorbed form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Although Ubiquinol can be found in foods such as red meat, sardines, peanuts and spinach, you would have to consume a very high amount to achieve the daily dose. A sufficient dosage can be achieved through supplementation.

5. Activate your life

The best thing you can do for your heart is to get moving. Regular, moderate exercise has enormous benefits on your heart and health. It can strengthen your heart muscle, improving its ability to pump blood throughout your body.

Speak to your health practitioner before adding a supplement to your diet.