WHAT CAN I DO TO... keep my heart healthy

Studies show that eating the right foods can help keep our hearts happy. But it isn’t simply down to avoiding saturated fat and processed meat – what you add to your diet can make a difference too.

“Eating plenty of fibre helps to lower your risk of heart disease,” says clinical nutritionist Susie Sawyer (feelaliveuk.com). “The daily recommended amount of fibre is 30g from a variety of sources, which few people reach on a daily basis.”

There are two forms of fibre – soluble and insoluble.

“Soluble fibre dissolves and helps feed the good gut bacteria, and insoluble helps form the stool.

“Both of these are needed for a healthy heart,” explains Susie. While soluble fibre can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol, insoluble fibre helps us stay fuller for longer and maintain a healthy weight.

Try to include wholemeal bread, bran, oats, beans and wholegrain cereals, potatoes with their skins on, and plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet.