Category: Heart Disease
Supplements to prevent heart problems
The heart is one of the most important organs of the body and is responsible for sending oxygen, nutrients and blood required by other parts of the body. Studies have shown that a normal human heart pumps more than 100,000 times and pumps more 2,000 gallons of blood in day. Changing lifestyle of people can cause several heart problems like arrhythmia, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. Most people take medication to deal with these heart problems, while others use supplements to control the heart diseases. Even though there are several heart disease supplements that can help in controlling heart problems, take them only after you consult a doctor. Some of the supplements that are available in the marketplace include:
Fish Oils
Fish oils are a good a source of essential fatty acids like Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosa Hexaenoic Acid (DHA) and omega 3. Recent studies have shown that fish oils can help in reducing heart problems like high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeats. It also reduces the growth of arterial plaques which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack. Health experts are of the view that people can take 1 g of fish oil that contains both DHA and EPA every day. However, since fish oils can have adverse affect on the health of certain people, you must consult a healthcare provider before taking any fish oil supplement.
CoQ10
This is a compound that is found mitochondria of heart cells and are responsible for producing energy. CoQ10 help in keeping the heart healthy by preventing blood clots and by improving energy production. Studies have also shown that some people suffer from chronic heart diseases because of reduced CoQ10 levels in their body.
In a study published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation, it was found that patients who suffered from congestive heart failure benefited after taking CoQ10 supplements. People who suffered from congestive heart failure, required frequent hospitalization because they suffered from problems like accumulation of fluids in their lungs and irregular heartbeat. Researchers found that patients who were given conventional therapy and 2 mg of CoQ10 everyday for one year had fewer visits to the hospital. Also, incidence of serious complications also reduced after taking CoQ10.
Even though CoQ10 can reduce the incidence of heart problems, you must take CoQ10 supplements only after you consult your doctor.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like selenium, zinc and copper can help in removing free radicals that are generated when normal biochemical reactions take place in your body. If these free radicals are not removed from the body they can damage the tissues and cells and can cause cancer and heart problems. Health experts are of the view that antioxidants can improve the normal functions of most organs of the body including your heart.
Carnitine
This compound helps the mitochondria in your cells to produce energy. Carnitine is made naturally by your body using two essential amino acids methionine and lysine. Both these amino acids are found in abundant quantities in red meat.
Studies have shown that depleted levels of carnitine can lead to heart attack. When patients were given carnitine orally or by injections, it protected their heart and prevented heart attacks. Supplementation helped in reducing the toxic effects of acids and improved the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Magnesium
All organs of the body including the heart need magnesium. It helps in maintaining the normal rhythm of your heart and reduces the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Magnesium supplements also help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
A word of Caution
Even though the supplements mentioned in the article help in reducing heart problems, you must take these supplements only after you consult your doctor.
Chocolates in Moderate amounts is Good for Heart
There is good news for people who love eating chocolates. In a recent study that was published in British Medical Journal and presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s conference, it was stated that regular consumption of chocolates can reduce the risk of developing heart problems.
The study was conducted at University of Cambridge by Oscar Franco and his colleagues who put to test the studies that were previously conducted to find out the connection between heart disease and chocolate. They tested the results of previous studies and reviewed the data they had to check the reliability of claims made by researchers. According to Oscar Franco the test made on previous studies established the link between chocolates and heart disease.
The researchers tested the results of 7 studies that involved about 114,000 participants. When they pooled the results of the study they found that people who ate chocolates had a 37 percent less risk of developing heart disease when compared to people who did not eat chocolates. Researchers also found that people who ate chocolates had 29 percent less risk suffering from stroke than people who ate fewer chocolates. However, researchers found no connection between heart failure and chocolate intake. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge did not differentiate between sweeter products like cookies and snack bar and dark chocolates.
Oscar Franco further added that this study should not be used as an excuse by people who increase their intake of chocolates. He said that most chocolates that are available in the market have high fat and sugar content which can lead to weigh gain. Increase in weight of people can put strain on heart and increase the risk of other health problems. Franco added that eating chocolate in moderate amounts can reduce the risk of heart problems without increasing your weight.
One of the main reasons why chocolates are considered good for heart is because it contains antioxidants and polyphenols that improve the production nitric oxide in the body.