DOUBLE UP HEART HEALTH

Prevention Magazine

Although women's heart disease risk jumps in midlife, your workout may offer as much protection as a heart-healthy diet, finds a University of Maryland study. Regular cardio not only spurs your body to produce more antioxidants, but it also increases your ability to use them to combat cellular stress caused by free radicals, say scientists. When 48 women ages 50 to 75 did cardio 3 times a week for 6 months, researchers discovered an 8% drop in markers of cellular stress that contribute to heart disease. Snack on antioxidant-rich red grapes post-power walk for the ultimate disease-fighting combo.