Eating oily fish such as tinned sardines twice a week can help manage blood pressure and protect the heart, according to an expert. A tin of sardines costs as little as 69p in the UK's cheapest supermarkets.
Expert recommends oily fish for heart health
Dr Corne Hurter, medical director for Services and Delivery at AXA Health, said oily fish is one of the best foods for heart health. He advised: "Eat oily fish twice a week. Fish such as mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna and salmon are an excellent source of omega-3 fats, which can help protect your heart against disease."
Dr Hurter explained that omega-3 fats can help improve circulation, prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure.
Sardines are a cheap option
A tin of sardines is one of the cheapest ways to get oily fish, with a long shelf life that allows people to stock up and add them to salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.
Google searches for 'how to improve heart health' have surged by 229% in the past month, while the British Heart Foundation reports that over 8 million people in the UK live with cardiovascular disease.
Other foods and exercises
Dr Hurter also recommends whole grains such as quinoa for their high fibre content, and chia seeds for their fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. He lists cycling, running and swimming as top exercises for heart health.
He advises cutting back on saturated fat, smoking and salt, and says managing weight is important, as being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease.
