The heart is an integral part of the body, and making sure it remains healthy through lifestyle changes takes heavy discipline and a disquieting wake-up call.

Filipinos, in particular, need to take action right now. Here are three alarming reasons why:

1. 1:2 Filipino adults have high cholesterol

In a recent survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, it was found out that one out of two adult Filipinos has borderline to high cholesterol mainly because of unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Filipinos' inclination towards fatty food is a major contribution.

2. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the Philippines

The Philippine Statistics Authority disclosed that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country. In 2017, ischemic heart disease, a condition that makes the heart get less oxygen and blood due to narrowed arteries, was named as the top death cause with more than 84,000 cases.

3. No one is exempt from heart disease

Not only adults are at risk of cardiovascular diseases but also the young. Individuals aged 15 to 24 are prone to suffering from high cholesterol, due to inactivity and unhealthy diet choices.

In a news report by ABS-CBN, even active individuals such as athletes are not completely safe from experiencing heart complications. Engaging in an active lifestyle may be recommended, but without a wholesome diet, it may still not be enough.

Since heart disease is evident enough in the country, what Filipinos need is a sense of urgency—they need to get checked by a healthcare professional right away to prevent an impending heart attack or to cure a heart condition while its still early.

Moreover, adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle is a significant move towards a healthier heart. The Philippine Heart Association reminds Filipinos about the 52100 concept that imbibes the following pointers to improve survival and to prolong life:

- 5 servings of fiber rich food

- 2 hours screen time a day or 2 grams of salt a day

- 1 hour of exercise per day

- 0 smoking

- 0 sugary beverages

Aside from these, what Filipinos need to add in their diet is oatmeal that has soluble fiber to reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino, Immediate Past Chairman-President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines Inc., noted that oat is a common cereal noted for its heart benefits, owing particularly to its high beta-glucan content that is capable of lowering the cholesterol level in the blood, particularly LDL-cholesterol.

Quaker Oats, one of the leading oat brands in the world, aims for better heart health management among Filipinos through the Quaker Smart Heart Challenge.

The Quaker Smart Heart Challenge was developed to help individuals lower their high cholesterol in just 30 days by making one simple change: incorporating two scoops or eight tablespoons of Quaker oatmeal daily, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

"On average, about 60% of the participants lowered their cholesterol level by 25 points. Now, that is significant because according to studies, a reduction of total cholesterol by 5% would mean a reduction in the risk of heart attack by about 10%," Dr. Florentino said.

Health coach Nadine Tengco is a main figure in this challenge, as she provides creative, tasty, and perfectly healthy recipes using Quaker oats. As a teaser, she shared the recipe of her Oats n' Raisins Banana Mug Cake during the Smart Heart Challenge media event, as part of her commitment to an improved heart health.

Actress, coach, and vlogger Nadia Montenegro pledged to take part in the challenge as well. "I really don't like exercising but today I found out that our body was made and programmed to move, but not to exercise. Which gives me more hope this 2020 kaya sinasabi ko nga na answered prayer tong Quaker sa akin because I did accept the 30-day challenge," she said.

Chat with Quaker Oats PH on Facebook now to join the Quaker Smart Heart Challenge.

For more information on Quaker Oats and the Quaker Smart Heart Challenge, visit www.quakeroats.ph