The heart is a vital organ of the circulatory system that pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It also serves other functions like controlling blood pressure and heart rate. Heart health depends on several factors, including family history and personal health. The food a person eats also determines the overall health of their heart. Here are eight delicious and nutritious foods one should eat to improve heart health. Dark chocolate Those who enjoy dark chocolate might be overjoyed to know that the cocoa-rich product does wonders for the heart. Its high cocoa content is a significant source of antioxidants and minerals. Eating it can help protect one from heart disease. However, dark chocolate contains sugar and calories, which is why it must be eaten in moderation to avoid any side effects. Almonds Eating a cup of almonds daily can help nourish the body with minerals and vitamins essential for heart health. Almonds contain nutrients like monounsaturated fats and fibers that are essential to protect a person from heart diseases. Eating almonds can also help improve good cholesterol (HDL) levels, which may help reduce the buildup of plaque and keep the arteries clear. One should keep in mind that almonds are also rich in calories.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in the bloodstream. It is not inherently bad for one’s health. Good cholesterol helps in the absorption of nutrients, the building of cells, and other functions like metabolism and digestion of fat. However, excessive levels of cholesterol may lead to cardiovascular diseases or even stroke. There are some superfoods that support the functions of good cholesterol and flush out the bad cholesterol before it gets into the bloodstream. What is good and bad cholesterol? The particles that carry cholesterol from one’s bloodstream to the cells of the body are called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered to be the “good cholesterol.” HDL takes up the extra cholesterol in one’s blood and transports it back to one’s liver, where it is metabolized and expelled from the body. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad cholesterol.” LDL accumulates on the walls of one’s blood vessels and hampers the blood flow, which may lead to health complications like a heart attack or stroke. Oatmeal Oats are an ideal food to reduce one’s LDL cholesterol and blood sugar level. A versatile food, oats are rich in soluble fiber and also help beat constipation.

Lawns significantly add to the curb appeal of your house. It provides you with some much-needed greenery when surrounded by a concrete jungle. However, keeping the lawn clean and green can be a notorious chore that is tricky to maintain. You could be doing everything right according to your knowledge to care for the lawn, but you may still have a sad-looking lawn. Hence, adopting some simple practices will help you excel at the task. Learning soil type Learning about the soil and the grass covering your lawn area is a great way to start caring for the lawn. Only when you know these details, you will be able to implement all the lawn care tips and tricks your friends and family dish out for you. And if you are just starting to put down the lawn, research the type of soil and grass that thrives in your climate. This will give you a better opportunity to avoid bald patches on your lawn. Proper seeding Planting your seeds is a better way to lay your lawn if you are starting fresh. To avoid any issues with seeding, learn about the best time to sow seeds in your climate and region to obtain lush grass.

Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stool. Signs and symptoms include passing fewer than three stools per week, having hard or lumpy stools, straining to have bowel movements, and needing help to empty the rectum. Experiencing two or more of these symptoms for over three months is called chronic constipation, although certain foods can help promote bowel movement and ease the pain caused by constipation. Some of these foods are: Prunes Dried plums or prunes are often used as a natural remedy for constipation due to high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. While the insoluble fiber (cellulose) increases the water content of the stool, the soluble fiber ferments in the colon to add weight to the stool. Besides, prunes also contain sorbitol and phenolic acids that promote the growth of good gut bacteria, producing a laxative effect on the body overall and improving stool frequency and consistency. Apples Apples are also a rich source of fiber. While they mostly contain insoluble fibers, they also have a soluble fiber called pectin which is fermented by the bacteria in the stomach to form short-chain fatty acids. These acids pull water into the colon, helping to soften the stool and ease constipation.

Headaches usually develop as pain or discomfort in the head and face region. Its intensity ranges from dull pain to throbbing pulsating sensations. There are several underlying risk factors and causes ranging from exertion to progressive chronic disorders. But no two headaches develop the same way, and this pain or discomfort should be treated promptly to avoid serious health complications. Following are the five alarming signs of headaches that require immediate medical attention. A pressure or squeezing sensation Tension headaches trigger a squeezing or pressure sensation on both sides of the head. It is the most common form of discomfort experienced by adults purely as a result of over-exertion and stress. The experience is described as someone holding the head on both sides and squeezing it with all their might. Tension pain is also slow and develops gradually around the head and neck base, progressing to the sides. Other symptoms like nausea, vomiting or increased light sensitivity can develop simultaneously. Most types of tension headaches can be treated with oral prescriptions. Severe unbearable pain Sometimes, pain can become so unbearable that it will affect daily routine and sleep. Adults over 50 are generally at a high risk of developing hypnic headaches.

Unhealthy food habits may not impact the eyes immediately, but they can give birth to various diseases that eventually affect eye health. For healthy eyes, experts recommend eating meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C. These nutrients are found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish. At the same time, experts recommend avoiding specific foods like those discussed below. Sweetened drinks Sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are laden with artificial sweeteners. One serving of these drinks is estimated to have seven to ten tablespoons of sugar! Since the sugar is in liquid form, it gets easily absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. Such a high amount of sugar is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can affect eye health. Saturated and trans fat Pizza, donuts, fried chicken, coffee creamers, cakes, cookies, pies, and sweets are all rich in saturated and trans fats. These fats increase bad cholesterol in the blood, clogging the arteries and affecting the blood supply to the eyes. One should substitute these harmful fats for unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Flu is a contagious illness known to be spread by the influenza virus through the air. Some of the common flu symptoms include fever, cough, cold, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, or even diarrhea. Certain home remedies, including some foods, can be used at home to relieve the symptoms. If symptoms do not improve in a few days, it is best to consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis. Having elderberry Eating elderberries can help in deactivating the flu virus and also help in boosting immunity naturally. Studies have shown that consuming 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days may help relieve the symptoms of the virus. If you have been experiencing sinus pain as well, then these berries can aid in reducing inflammation. Doing a salt water gargle This is an effective remedy to soothe a sore throat. Here’s what you need to do: Take a glass of warm water and mix ½ tsp of salt with it. Take a sip of this salt water and then pull this water at the back of the throat by looking up. Gargle for 20-30 seconds, allowing the water to rinse your mouth and throat.

Security cameras are a great way to ward off intruders, but one must find the right spots to install them. Strategically positioned cameras can give you access to a larger field of view, get better footage, and prevent miscreants from entering your home. However, setting your security camera system incorrectly may render your efforts useless. Avoid the wrong spots listed below while installing a camera to establish a more effective home security system. Difficult-to-see locations You may think stealthy camera placement will help you catch home intruders more sneakily, but that’s not true. According to research, if others can see your cameras in plain sight, they are less likely to break into your home and cause any damage. Therefore, have your cameras placed in a visible location, about seven feet or higher, with the angle pointed downwards, so your camera can detect everyone’s face. It will help keep the cameras at a safe distance, and you will get access to the activity outside your home. Private spaces Don’t place cameras in private spaces such as the guest bedrooms or bathrooms. It is a massive invasion of privacy that may make your guests uncomfortable or even invite a police report. Instead, place cameras in the hallways that lead up to these locations.