Statistics reveal that a number of heart diseases have become widespread throughout the world. Indeed, it's no joke that heart disease positions itself as the one of the leading health problems across the globe.

It is therefore very important to keep the heart healthy at all times. Here are some things you can do to ensure the condition of your heart, and yes, your life.

1. Quit smoking. When is the right time, you ask? No better hour than now, doctors say. To aid you in the quitting process, try giving yourself some sunflower seeds, plus one cup of oat or nettle straw infusion on a daily basis. Do this from about four to six weeks prior to quitting. Experts say a sunflower seed helps reduce your body's natural craving for cigar substances such as nicotine by filling "nicotine receptor sites." Accordingly, the infusion will strengthen the nerves and blood vessels while cushioning the usually unpleasant impact caused by withdrawal. As most people might already know, cigars don't do the heart any good.

2. Try the "touch therapy." Scientific studies say that those who have been lovingly touched everyday had fewer health and heart problems than those who are not.

3. Munch on those seaweeds. Seaweeds stabilize the blood pressure, help regulate the body's levels of phospholipids, cholesterols and triglycerides – all critical substances in the body that, when unregulated, can trigger heart problems. Seaweeds are also known to dissolve certain fats that have built themselves up within our blood vessels. These also efficiently restore cardiac veins, thereby strengthening heart muscles and causing a more stable heartbeat.

4. Eat beta carotene-enriched food. Doctors say beta carotenes reduce the risk of strokes. These foods include cabbage, carrots, winter squash, dark and leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, seaweeds and apricots.

5. Have some garlic. Studies have confirmed that garlic effectively lowers the blood pressure, strengthen heart actions, reduce cholesterol and phospholipids, elevates immune responses, and lessens the clumping and clotting of the platelets, thus reducing instances of stroke. In the overall, garlic stabilizes our blood sugar level. Eating several cloves of garlic a day, lightly cooked or fresh, can help keep the heart function at its best.

6. Eat foods that are rich in fatty acids. Especially nourishing are those fresh-pressed wheat germ oils or flax seeds.

7. Take lemon balm teas. For ages, a lemon balm tea has been known to strengthen the body's vital part – the heart. You can try steeping fresh lemon balm leaves into your glass of wine for more than one hour before drinking. You can also dress your favorite salad with vinegar made from lemon balms.

8. Don't just sit there – move! Jump rope, hike, swim, or lift those legs and raise those arms. Whether you are on a wheelchair or on bed, nothing should impede you from doing some exercise. According to doctors, regularly exercising is key to maintaining the health of your heart.

9. Get away from "restrictive dieting." Frequent fasting, dieting, purging and binging create an unfortunate imbalance in your electrolyte levels. These can cause weak heart muscles and thus, irreversibly damage your heart.

10. Watch what you generally eat. Eat lots of whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds, greens, fish and yogurt. Minimize your intake of cheese, milk and nuts – especially if your family history traces your link to any heart diseases.

Lowering one's chances of acquiring heart diseases always connects to your lifestyle. Regular check ups with your doctor regarding alarming cholesterol levels should not be taken for granted. After all, toning and nourishing the heart is tantamount to keeping life at its peak.