A Healthy Heart
Having a
healthy heart is something most people don’t worry about until something goes wrong. This is quite frightening, since your heart needs to be in tiptop shape to continue its gruelling 100 000 beats/day regime that serves to pump non-negotiable nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body. Neglecting this important organ is a big mistake.
Fortunately it is relatively simple to care for your heart. Combine an active lifestyle with a healthy diet and a
heart health supplement and you are good to go. There are a few nutrients that are vital for a
healthy heart. These include:
- Vitamin E
. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant, protects blood fats and prevents blood sticking, clots and artery damage. Three very large studies have shown a marked risk reduction when vitamin E is regularly taken as a cardiovascular supplement.
- Vitamin C
. A very strong antioxidant, vitamin C works with and recycles vitamin E, keeps blood vessels healthy and lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol.
- Vitamin B Complex
. The B’s (in particular B2, B6 and B12) all aid in digesting fats and sugars and will lower artery toxic homocysteine in anyone who regularly takes it as a heart health supplement.
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Calcium. Controversial theories aside, a recent study has shown that calcium supplements “reduce the risk of death due to ischemic heart disease” (American Journal of Epidemiology).
Magnesium. This mineral, in conjunction with potassium, is responsible for a whopping 325 reactions in the human body, not least of which is the lowering of toxic blood homocysteine.
Omega 3 and 6. Maintaining a balance between
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is essential for optimal health. These compounds have been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering triglyceride levels, preventing blood clotting and lowering blood pressure. It is also, incidentally, the only two types of fat the body cannot manufacture by itself.
Heart health vitamins are an important contributor to heart health, but changing your diet and lifestyle remains very important in caring for your heart. Here are a few handy tips:
- Reduce your fat intake by choosing skinless poultry and fish instead of red meat, by trimming all visible fat from meat before cooking and avoiding commercially baked foods and takeaways.
- Don’t fry your food. Rather grill, bake or roast it on a rack to drain away the fat. In the case of vegetables steaming is also a very good idea.
- Use skim milk or low fat dairy products as a rule.
- Increase your fibre intake. Choose a high fibre breakfast cereal or bulk up your bolognaise with some beans and lentils. Alternatively, keep some raw veggies, fruit and nuts handy to snack on during the day.
- Choose unprocessed foodstuffs where possible. Also refrain from purchasing foods (like fish) that are tinned in oil - rather opt for those packed in brine or tomato sauce.
Just remember that your heart is precious and treat it as such. Taking a
cardio supplement is a step in the right direction.