Put Your Heart Health First

The month of February is dedicated to Heart Health and we are here to provide you with current statistics and health advice to keep your heart happy.

According to the British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory disease are the cause of death of one in four people in the UK. Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that describes all diseases of the heart as well as circulation. This includes conditions ranging from: diagnosis at birth, an inherited heart disease condition to more developed conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms.

Significant risk factors can include:

     *  30% of adults have high blood pressure but only half of them are receiving treatment
     *  High cholesterol levels
     *  Having diabetes can double the risk of CVD

3.6 million adults in the UK are diabetic, of which 90 % have Type 2 diabetes. There is an estimated 1 million of us who have yet to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and are possibly living with it

The good news is that we can play a part in this. Increasing awareness and making healthy changes, can lower the risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for those who already have heart disease.

Our top tips include: staying active, watching our weight, avoiding second hand smoke, quit smoking, drink alcohol only in moderation, keep your cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes under control and perform regular checks at the doctor’s. Eating a healthy and balanced diet packed with colourful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses and healthy sources of fat and protein make all the difference.

Below is some key information you might find useful.

• Soluble fibre found in legumes, fruit, and vegetables has shown to effectively lower cholesterol levels. According to the EU Nutrition and Health Claims (2015), a daily consumption of 3 grams of beta-glucans from barley, oats and their derivatives help to maintain normal blood cholesterol. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring compounds in cereals’ cell walls.
  
  

Be adventurous and include oats for breakfast, bakes and snacks. Besides their high fibre content, oats also have the highest content of Iron, Zinc and Manganese than any grain. When consumed as part of a meal, beta-glucans also help to reduce the rise in blood sugar levels experienced after certain meals.

• Originating from Japan, Natto is praised for its beneficial effects on the heart. It is a fermented soy food with a unique texture and flavour, not commonly consumed in the western countries. It is high in Vitamin K, which is essential for normal blood clotting and the maintenance of healthy bones. Nattokinase is the enzyme produced during the fermentation process and is available in capsules. Jarrow Formulas’ Nattokinase  can be taken once daily to support healthy heart circulation once approved by your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  
• Oily fish provide essential fatty acids, also known as DHA and EPA which contribute to a healthy heart. Their lowering effect on blood triglyceride levels are linked to improved cholesterol levels and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Nature’s answer Liquid Omega 3 Deep Sea Fish Oil  provides over 1 gram of omega 3 fatty acids per serve to complement a healthy heart diet.
  

Be in charge of your health and make a difference for a healthier heart.

References

British Heart Foundation (BHF). Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health

EU Register on Nutrition and Health Claims (2015)

Murray and Pizzorno (2012) The Enclycopedia of Natural Medecine. 3^rd edition, New York: Atria Paperback.