Laurie Jennings shares four tips for heart health, so that we, like Chatelaine, can live to be 85!

Bring on the berries. The latest studies show that women who eat 3 or more ½ cup servings of berries per week are 32% less likely to die from heart disease. Laurie likes to get her servings of berries in her morning smoothies, but reminds us if you don’t like berries, you can eat them in blueberry muffins or hide them in a salad.

The Mediterranean diet is best. Laurie says to look at the Mediterranean diet for heart health inspiration. It promotes healthy choices, by eating a virtually unlimited amount of fruits and vegetables, 3 or more servings of oily fish or legumes a week, 4 tbsp of olive oil per day and lastly, Laurie’s favourite, 7-10 glasses of red wine a week, which she says “is not only recommended, but encouraged!”

Watch your calcium levels. Laurie says “If you’re eating too much calcium, you could be more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks.” She reminds us that for calcium,  food sources are always best and you don’t need to turn to supplements. Try having a glass of milk, or calcium-fortified orange juice along with cheese and spinach and you can get enough calcium from your diet.

Say yes to coffee. While coffee is a bit more controversial, there is more research that shows coffee will help reduce diabetes, and improve brain function. Be sure to watch what you’re putting in your coffee (no 18% cream!), although a little dairy or soy milk is fine.

With these four tips from Laurie, our hearts will be healthier than ever.