Did YOU KNOW HERBAL MEDICINE & NUTRITION MAY HELP WITH YOUR HEART DISEASE?
Have you had blood tests recently that show you have low HDL (good cholesterol) but raised LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides? Feeling anxious about your heart health? Herbs, dietary changes and specific vitamins and nutrients may help improve your next set of blood tests and calm your nerves!
What are the main factors that lead to Hardening of your Arteries and Heart Problems?
Oxidised fats is a big issue that may lead to hardening of your arteries. LDL (bad cholesterol) being oxidised, plus the size of LDL particles and the ratio of it to other lipids may indicate your risk of future atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
There is also increasing evidence to show that too many carbohydrates, starch, sugar and alcohol in your diet may lead to hardening of your arteries. These food groups increase levels in your liver of specific fats that cause atherosclerosis.
Low levels of EPA/DHA (i.e.good fatty acids) are related to total mortality and fatal cardiovascular events. A Japanese study followed 58,000 people for nearly 13 years and found low levels of good fats were a factor in mortality rates.
These good fatty acids reduce the oxidation of lipids in your blood, increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol). They also make LDL (Bad cholesterol) particle sizes bigger and more buoyant and reduce your levels of triglycerides.
Are there Food and Vitamins that may help reduce my risk of Heart Disease?
Clinical trials have shown that 0.5g-2g of EPA/DHA per day may help reduce your risk of heart disease. Also eating oily fish 3 times a week may help.
A few clinical trials have also shown the benefit of CoQ10. In one study where 420 cardiac patients were monitored over 5 years, cardiovascular events (i.e. strokes/ heart attacks etc) were reduced by 43%
Studies have also shown that Red Yeast Rice, a traditional fermented food in Asia contains a chemical that reduces LDL-C by 15%-25% over 6-8 weeks. It also reduces markers of vascular ageing, by acting a bit like a Statin.
Studies have also shown that Vitamin E may be of benefit for heart health. A study involving 363 cardiovascular patients found that low levels of Vitamin E correlated to higher levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and sub-fraction sizes.
Keen to know more about how herbs, foods and vitamins may help with your specific illness?
