The heart suffers a great deal over the course of your life and we're not talking about your love life. The things you eat, the things you do, and the things you are exposed all affect the condition of your heart. It's no surprise then, that so many people are suffering from cardiac diseases. Our lifestyle habits over the decades have generally descended into a somewhat wanton behaviour, with fast food and junk on almost every street.

How does one ensure that the heart is in the right condition and can work well in the future? What does good for the heart and what does bad? Are there some things you are eating that are actually bad for your heart? And if your heart is already beaten and bruised from years of abuse, can it be nursed into a healthier condition? These are all important questions.

In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the things that do good for your heart, some that do bad, and the lifestyle changes you should employ. Make no mistake, the advice in this article is important. It's all too common for us to hear about how a heart attack victim was far too young for anyone to have predicted that outcome. It's a growing problem and one that must be tackled and fortified against.

Read on, and keep you heart in good shape.

It’s obvious that your diet is an extremely important element that determines the health of your heart. Here are a few foods you should be eating for a healthy heart:

1. Whole Grains

At JoyByNature, we’ve spoken a great deal about the miracle that is the whole grain. As it turns out, whole grains also offer great benefit to the heart. They regulate blood pressure and bring down high blood sugar levels. Quinoa, brown rice and oatmeal are all excellent whole grain choices.

2. Raisins

It was found that those who suffer from gum disease are 50% more likely to suffer from heart disease. Raisins help prevent gum disease. See the connection? Raisins contain antioxidants that stave off the growth of a particular kind of bacteria that causes gum disease. Plus, raisins have other benefits, so get gorging.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil greatly reduces the risk of heart disease. It reduces the bad cholesterol in your heart - yes, there is such a things as good and bad cholesterol - and is filled with monosaturated fats, which is the right type of fat. Using this instead of peanut and vegetable oil will do wonders for your heart. The studies all verify the important role of olive oil in heart health. 

Here are some foods to avoid:

1. Fast Food

Does it really need to be said? Fast food kills your heart and pretty much every other part of your body. It is brimming with bad cholesterol and fats. Even a few meals of fast food can adversely affect your health. Regular consumption over an extended period of time can permanently damage your stomach. Do yourself a favour, and avoid fast food.

2. Processed Meat

Anything with preservatives is bad for you, and processed meat like salami have the highest amounts of preservatives. They’re among the worst things you can consume, so limit your processed meats as much as you can, if you can’t entirely, and look to other places for your protein needs. Processed meats are also high in salt, which can damage your entire body.

You can't take it easy with an organ as important as the heart. It's been working ceaselessly since the time you were born and will continue to do so until you die. As you grow older, the untiring organ is bound to experience problems because of this monumental effort. Therefore, it behoves you to keep a watchful eye. Consult a doctor. Turn to natural remedies for the betterment of your heart. Above all, avoid the bad things.