Cardiovascular disease is still one of the leading causes of death in the UK, but you may be surprised at some things that can help keep your heart healthy.

Studies suggest that making a few simple changes to your daily routine can really make a difference.

“Nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce arterial inflammation and protect the heart,” says Gaynor Bussell, a spokesman for the British Dietetic Association.

‘Nuts in general can help lower cholesterol and also help you feel full. But don’t take more than a handful because they are high in calories.

According to John Cacioppo, a social psychologist at the University of Chicago, loneliness is associated with hardening of the arteries, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

He argues that loneliness also increases the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can disrupt blood circulation and force the heart to work harder.

His research shows that isolated fruit flies have poorer health and die earlier than those that interact with others. So if you feel lonely, try to connect with old friends or find a new hobby or join a club or class so you can get out and meet new people.

There are regular reports in the news that moderate drinking – especially red wine – can be good for the heart, but the key word here is “May”.

There is still no convincing evidence in controlled trials of the benefits of alcohol in heart disease – which means it’s best to limit consumption.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle, and other diseases such as stroke, liver problems, and some cancers.

Avoid frying or cooking in fat (e.g. butter or ghee). This applies to meat, fish and vegetables. It is better for the heart if you fry, grill, steam, cook or cook food instead.

Use spices, herbs and lemon juice to flavor instead of salt, cheese or cream.

Researchers have found that people with heart disease who practiced Transcendental Meditation – recommended by The Beatles in the 1960s – for just 15 minutes a day, can halve the risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those who don’t.

This is believed to be due to the fact that meditation helps to lower blood pressure – a major risk factor for CVD. In a recent study by the University of Iowa, researchers found that practicing this type of meditation for 20 minutes a day was enough to get rid of it. Deep breathing exercises and yoga breathing are believed to have similar benefits.