Exposure to traffic-related air pollution may increase risk of developing cardiovascular diseases through its effects on good cholesterol or HDL.

Grey hair is linked with increased heart disease in men.

Regular leisure-time physical activity can reduce deaths from all causes, and also cardiovascular disease on older adults.

Erectile dysfunction can be a forerunner of coronary artery disease according to studies as far back as 2006 in a St Louis university. The study recommends that doctors should ‘monitor heart health of patients with erectile dysfunction’.

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This healthy fried rice goes perfectly as a side dish served with salmon, chicken or tofu. Pineapple is a fabulous source of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong-functioning immune system, healthy skin and is needed for iron absorption. Pineapple is also loaded with phytochemicals called flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect against cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers.

Oats are rich in dietary fibre and have many health benefits including reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promoting bowel health. Consuming oats for breakfast is a great way to increase feelings of satiety and to help prevent mid-morning snacking.

Eggplants are rich in flavonoids called anthocyanins. These health-promoting phytonutrients are responsible for giving eggplants their bright purple colour and high antioxidant levels. Including anthocyanin-rich foods in the diet will offer protection against cardiovascular disease and help improve immune function.

Brassica vegetables such as cauliflower are nutrient-rich powerhouses that are loaded with disease-fighting vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Most of brassicas’ beneficial effects are linked to their unique phytochemicals which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid- and blood-sugar-lowering effects. This makes cauliflower an excellent food choice for helping to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Vigorous exercise can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in children.

Protein from nuts and seeds is beneficial for the heart while meat protein increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Higher yogurt intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in hypertensive men and women.

Including fibre-rich red kidney beans in the diet will help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Try this delicious one-pot dish tonight!