Preventing Disease

Keys to a healthy heart that you may not know

When it comes to protecting your heart, you know the basics. Don’t smoke. Keep a lid on “bad” cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar with a healthy diet and, if necessary, medications. Exercise on most days. Limit weight gain. But you may not know about other key steps to protect the old ticker. Here are a handful.

Tomato Lentil Soup

This simple-as-it-gets lentil soup has a million variations. Stir in some cooked bulgur and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving. Or sauté a little curry powder with the onion. Or toss in baby spinach or kale for the last minute or two. Or add minced fresh herbs or pesto just before eating. For a creamy soup, purée 1 or 2 cups, then stir them back into the pot.