Did you know that the symbol of February - a heart - represents more than love this month? Indeed, it does! February is also American Heart Awareness Month. BeautyScoop was formulated with heart healthy ingredients so, whether or not you are sharing your heart with someone else today, you can still take steps to keep your own heart healthy throughout every day in February - and beyond!

Although coronary heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States for both men and women, there is a common misconception that it is a "man's disease." Still think heart disease doesn't affect women? Unfortunately, you need to think again!

•  One in three adult females has some form of cardiovascular disease.
• About 6.6 million females today have some form of heart disease, and, since 1984, the number of     cardiac deaths for females has exceeded men.
• 64% of women who died of chronic heart disease had no previous symptoms. 
• Men are reported to have higher blood pressure only until age 45; after that, women begin to catch up to men, and they finally pass them after age 64.
• Exercise is a vital component to reducing heart problems. Unfortunately, only 17.1% of adult women reached the exercise limits set by the Federal Physical Activity Guidelines. 
• Diet and nutrition -- also vital parts of living a heart-healthy lifestyle -- obviously affect not only our weight, but our heart. It is estimated that 63.7% of women over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. A key step to reducing this number? The right nutrients!

Here is a list of five vital nutrients that target your beauty while keeping your heart health optimized:

1.     Hyaluronic Acid isn't only for cosmetic applications! Best known for its topical use as a moisturizer, hyaluronic acid is also used as an injectable wrinkle filler.  It is a naturally-occurring substance found in the body as well.  It helps keeps joints moving smoothly and  heart valves functioning optimally!

2.    E Vitamin is found naturally in foods like eggs, fruit, meat, nuts, and oils.   Vitamin E oil can smooth the delicate skin of the eyes and optimize scar healing.   Although there is still ongoing research on the breadth of Vitamin E's benefits, it appears to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of  heart diseases including hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. 

3.   Antioxidants (of which Vitamin E is one!) are prized for their ability to fight aging, heart disease and cancer. Fruit such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and pomegranates are antioxidant rich sources that also happen to be delicious; they are especially good in BeautyScoop smoothies!

4.   Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is a key micronutrient in maintaining overall health. Vital in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, it is essential for skin, hair and nail health and beauty.  Found in foods such as milk, leafy vegetables, almonds, and legumes, sufficient levels of riboflavin helps prevent chronic heart disease.

5.   Types of protein vary, and not all are created equal. However, all are vital building blocks for healthy skin, hair and nails! Choose protein that is low in saturated fat to keep cholesterol low and your heart healthy. Your best bet? Certain fish, nuts, legumes, soy, and low-fat dairy are all great in moderation.

You can probably guess that we spelled.... HEART! Although this is not an all-inclusive list by any means, hopefully you now have a few heart-healthy snack ideas. Want a quick solution that some use as a meal replacement? Choose BeautyScoop! Containing all listed above -- including 6 grams of protein -- BeautyScoop is an easy way to say "I love you" to yourself in a delicious, nutritious way.