The unbelievable "machine" human body. I'm sure you've heard this term countless times. God created such a wonderful machine, with a central and wonderful organ - the heart.

The heart, a muscular and most important organ in our body. Mainly responsible for blood circulation to all parts of the body. The blood that flows in our body gives life to all the organs.

The activity of the heart is actually as a pump that performs its action through the extensive blood vessel system that extends over the entire human body. The heart regularly, regularly and continuously pumps clean blood (referring to oxygen-rich blood) through the arteries to all the organs and drains them back to it through the veins, dirty blood (referring to blood that is not rich in oxygen and also contains waste from the cells in our body).

The blood stream that passes from the heart to all of our organs does not only transport oxygen, but also transports important nutrients such as: sugar, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and more. These substances nourish and protect our body tissues.

When the heart muscle is damaged for any reason, the ability of the heart to supply blood to the body is impaired, the heart will not function properly and hence the vitality and vitality of our body, cells and organs are in danger. The road to the arrival of many health problems is paved.

Common among them is coronary heart disease, which results from damage to the arteries and a combination of various risk factors (smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.). Symptoms of this disease are chest pain during exertion shortness of breath, weakness, heart attacks and heart failure in more severe cases.

There are risk factors that accelerate heart failure - lack of physical activity, excess weight, blood lipids, smoking, diet, diabetes, gender (in men the risk is higher than in women), age and more.

Now that we understand how much the heart is an organ of great importance to our existence, we must take care of it and maintain its proper functioning, thus guaranteeing us a healthy and long life.

The most common and it must be said very simple ways that can help us in maintaining a healthy and properly functioning heart -

Nutrition –

We must be in control of what we put into our bodies. Maintain proper eating habits. Today in the 21st century we all need to know what is healthy and recommended for our bodies and what is not from the list of foods that is so extensive and limitless. It is important that we are in constant control and that we stick to a balanced menu:

Limit the consumption of saturated fats, which means less animal fats, including meat, whole milk, cheese, cream...

Making sure to eat foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, for example: mackerel fish, herring, sardines, salmon...

In dairy products, you should prefer the low-fat versions.

Avoiding fried foods and pastries that contain mainly saturated and trans fats.

It is important! Drink lots of water, and minimize salt intake.

If we don't know how to put together a balanced menu, we can always use a certified nutritionist/dietitian who are available to us privately or through the KofH.

Exercise -

By its very nature, the heart muscle grows and becomes stronger the more you "activate" it. Sport is a very important means of maintaining the proper functioning of the heart. Every physical activity is important, even the smallest. We must introduce exercise of any kind into our regular schedule, at least 3 times a week for at least half an hour in a gradual and controlled manner. You can even start with a walk with the dog in the yard or get off one stop earlier on our way to work, give up the elevator in favor of the stairs (and not the stairs ), dance, etc. Again, it is important to gradually increase physical activity and progress to more active and vigorous sports.

Body and Soul -

It is important to avoid tensions and stressors - there is a dependence and a close connection between the mind and the body. Stress and stress lead to the need to smoke and overeat. Stress increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important that we find balance in our lives and devote time to things that make us feel good, for example, sports, social life, hobbies - these break up stress and negative energies in our lives. Sharing the situation with others and getting support from friends are also essential, as well as proper time management and finding ways to relax.

Plus, sex. "Sex is good for the heart", according to Prof. Tzachi Ben-Zion, "Sex is good for the heart, because it opens the blood vessels, it releases endorphins and other substances that are good for the body and instill relaxation and peace in the person. It is not a substitute for sports, but if people are healthy, and they eat and breathe and do sports and include sex in their lives, they will benefit. The Great Centenarians study revealed that one of the things that distinguish those who have reached this extreme age is regular sexual activity. According to Prof. Ben-Zion, sex should be part of a good and rewarding marital relationship, sex with emotion, preferably with love.

smoking -

Very simply, avoid smoking! passive or active and find another and less harmful obscene habit.

Smoking is very harmful to the normal functioning of the heart by causing the clogging of the blood vessels caused by the substances found in the cigarette, the clogging of the blood vessels will block the transfer of oxygen and cause dysfunction and diseases. It is proven that heart diseases are caused as a direct result of smoking.

The smokers among you - it is important for you to know - the heart can return to normal and normal function if you stop smoking, of course it will take time to return to itself. Even if you are hurting him now it can be changed.

The desire to maintain a healthy and normal heart requires investment and self-awareness. So don't be heartless! Take care of yourself.