Not just a disease that affects the old, globally 1 in 10 people aged 30 – 70 die from cardiovascular disease [2]. In part, this is because our modern lifestyles mean we’re consuming higher calorie foods, fats, sugar and salt. This contributes to the major risk factors for heart disease – such as higher blood pressure, raised blood sugar, raised blood fats and obesity. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over are now overweight and 13% are obese [3]. However, simple behavioral changes such as eating more fresh food, and taking ownership of our own health, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
"During the last century the increasing use of tobacco, together with profound changes to our diets and physical activity, have contributed to the epidemic of cardiovascular disease which is the biggest killer worldwide,” said Professor David Wood, President, World Heart Federation. “An unhealthy lifestyle is the major cause of heart attacks and strokes and so eliminating tobacco use, eating healthily and becoming physically active is crucial to helping people live longer, better, more heart healthy lives. Eating well by reducing fats, increasing intake of fruit and vegetables, and reducing the amount of processed, prepackaged and sugary food and drink in the diet is just one simple way to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.”
It’s clearly more important than ever for us to watch what we eat; but the temptation to indulge in some foods is hard to resist, and this can have a serious effect on our weight and in turn our heart health.
At Philips, we believe that food and drink are the building blocks of a healthy life; but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to enjoy the delicious foods that we love. Homemade food has the power to nourish like nothing else, giving us control over the ingredients we use and therefore the quality of the meal. What is more, cooking and eating homemade food brings families and people together, enhancing relationships and building healthy routines for life. Our kitchen appliances are designed to make preparing nourishing but tasty meals at home easier, helping everyone to have a balanced and nutritious diet.