Now that many of us are under pressure to make our lifestyles healthier, many will opt for what they believe quick-fixes to their unhealthy habits, rather than making the effort to completely overhaul their lives. I think the increased use to vitamins is evidence of this -- rather than trade in french fries for 5-10 servings of fruits and veggies a day, people seem to instead opt to get their nutrients in pill form.

Vitamins can be beneficial in people who already have a healthy lifestyle but it's not a substitute for healthy habits. Take these findings for instance -- new studies show that taking common vitamins does little to promote heart health in women, whereas eating fruits and veggies high in vitamin C, E and Beta Carotene on a daily basis can help your ticker.

There are no quick fixes. Take control of your health today -- it's worth it!

Folic acid is an important nutrient for heart-health, some studies are showing. How do you know if you're getting enough? A diet full of fruits and veggies should mean your getting your daily intake, but if you suspect you might not, talk to your doctor. There are plenty of supplements out there that can help you get the folic acid you need. Or the answer might be as simple as adding cereal to your morning routine -- many of the options that line the cereal aisle can pack 100% of your RDI in Folic Acid.

Other good sources of folate include asparagus, broccoli, bananas, nuts, spaghetti and bread.

Recent nutritionist reports blame saturated fat-intake, and not cholesterol-intake, as the source of high blood cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. Formerly, the recommendation on egg consumption was no more than three a week. Now that the source of high cholesterol has been clarified as saturated fats and not dietary cholesterol, eating eggs is decidedly beneficial to weight loss and heart health.

Eggs are an important source of protein, contain 13 essential nutrients, and are full of vitamins A, B, D and E-- the last of which is highly protective against heart disease. One large egg has only 75 calories and less than 5 grams of fat, making them a light and healthy part of a balanced diet.

Its well known that laughter has the power to heal. Researchers are finally conducting studies to scientifically prove this point-- which is right in line with recent evidence that a positive outlook can save your life. It is a certain lightness of heart that keeps it healthy. In a recent study at the University of Maryland, blood flow was monitored in 20 healthy young adults while watching both tragic and comedic film clips. The subjects were asked to abstain from any blood flow altering activities such as drinking alcohol, exercising or ingesting herbs or vitamins 24 hours before the study. 

Viewing comedic material boosted blood flow in 19 of the subjects, akin to undertaking heart treatment drugs or aerobic exercise, revealed researchers. During a viewing of dramatic war scenes, 14 of the subjects experienced a decline in blood flow, comparable to experiencing stressful, emotionally taxing memories.

A daily dose of vegetables helps keep the arteries clear, a new study shows. Researchers tested a vegetable rich diet on lab mice bred to quickly develop the arterial plaque build-up that leads to heart attacks and strokes. The results were obtained based on a diet composed of 30 percent vegetables-- and French fries don't count. After 16 weeks, the veggie mice had 38 percent less atherosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries, compared to the mice on the veggie-free diet.

The veggie mice also had lower levels of inflammatory protein. Chronic blood vessel inflammation contributes greatly to atherosclerosis. The study focused on the most commonly eaten vegetables: broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas and corn. These, and other veggies, contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant compounds called polyphenols. Along with other antioxidant-rich vitamins, the polyphenols neutralize cell-destroying molecules. So eat your vegetables and have happy arteries.

Recent studies show that drinking a daily dose of pomegranate juice prevents hardening of the arteries and improves blood flow. Pomegranates are full of a potent antioxidant called polyphenol, found in smaller quantities in chocolate and blueberries. Polyphenol has been found to help fight cell damage, a preventative aide against heart disease and cancer.

A pomegranate juice study led by Dr. Dean Ornish of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute, published in the American Cardiology Journal, tracked 45 heart disease patients for three months. For those who drank an eight-ounce glass of the deep scarlet juice everyday, blood flow to the heart improved 17 percent. In the placebo group, blood flow worsened 18 percent.

However, health experts and dietitians refuse to tout the stuff as a magic cure-all. Be warned-- one eight-ounce glass contains 160 calories. Positive effects can be gained from a daily dose of as little as one and a half ounces of pomegranate juice.