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.

If you're worried about your heart, and even if your not, improving your health both today and in the long-run is as simple as taking four small steps. That's it. Only four changes. Want to know what they are? Here they are, courtesy of Fitsugar:

• Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and veggies a day
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
• Maintain a healthy weight, and healthy BMI of between (18.5 and 24.9)
• Don't smoke, or quit if you do

Ok, the last two might be a bit of a struggle for some, but if you do the first two, the last two should follow. These really are the most important things you can do for your health. What do you think?

Eating out can be a disaster if you're trying to make heart-healthy choices. Restaurants up the appeal and taste of their dishes by adding extra fat so it's hard to know how to make the best decisions. Here are some tips from Eat Better America:

• Preview the menu, if possible, and make a healthy choice in advance. The key here is sticking to your choice -- no backing out last minute for the Alfredo-covered steak
• Order first. That way, you won't be tempted by what your fellow diners are getting
• Ask questions on how it's prepared, how big the portion is and what's in it.
  
• Watch what you drink too. Drinks can add a ton of extra calories. Don't assume because it's in liquid form it doesn't count
• Have a salad to start -- it will help fill you up so you don't gorge on the main course
• Order the dish with the most vegetables, and of course choose the veggies or salad over the fries as a side
• Get the fish. Unless it's battered and deep fried, it's probably your best bet.
  
• Order steam, poached or baked over fried or sauteed.
• Take your time and enjoy what you're eating.

For more great tips, check out the full article.

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.