Vital Scientific Facts to Maintain An Ideal Cardiovascular Health

Based on many years of scientific research the causes of heart disease have become more apparent than ever, while heart attack and stroke still remain top causes of death and hospitalization around the globe. So the question is why so many people suffer from heart attack when there are scientifically proven ways to detect the risk factors and correct them. The key is that not many people consider all the risk factors; and studies suggest that the partial approach is most likely to fail in providing enough protective benefits. In this article you find information on the major risk factors and the proven nutritional solutions.

Risk factors to the heart disease include: High Total Cholesterol, High LDL (bad Cholesterol), Low levels of HDL (Good Cholesterol), High Triglycerides, High blood sugar and insulin, Elevated Homocysteine, High Inflammatory Markers such as CRP( C- Reactive Protein), Calcification of arteries, Low Nitric Oxides, High Blood Clotting Factors, High Blood Pressure, and Hormonal imbalance.

LDL ( Low Density Lipoprotein) delivers cholesterol from the Liver to other organs and tissues. Higher LDL means more circulating of the bad lipid which eventually gets oxidized and /or gets deposited in arteries and around the organs.

There are several nutrients and herbs that could significantly lower the LDL when taken in the correct dosage including: Niacin which lowers LDL and Triglycerides while increases the HDL (Good Cholesterol). Amla (Indian Gooseberry) also found to provide similar properties plus improving the endothelial function (endothelium is the inner layer of the arteries). Fibres like Beta Glucan from Oat, Pectin from fruits, Glucomannan, and guar gum all will trap the secreted extra lipids from liver to the intestine and prevent them from being re-absorbed to the blood stream.

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) removes the cholesterol from circulation and brings them back to the liver, where they should be metabolized and used to produce hormones and other compounds. Low levels of HDL is related to lack of Omega fatty acids and Low levels of an Enzyme called Paraoxonase. This enzyme prevents the HDL from getting Oxidized and become non-functional.

Taking adequate amount of essential fatty acids high in EPA and DHA increases the HDL levels. Absorbable type of Quercetin Increases the amount of Paraoxonase in the blood. Pomegranate Extract also boosts the function of Paraoxonase.

Triglycerides are the dominant form of Lipids in the body, sourced from food or made in the body by converting other food sources such as sugar. Triglycerides are responsible in forming arterial plaques.

Supplementing with Omega 3 Fatty acids is proven to lower the blood triglycerides, however those with the higher levels of blood lipids, require higher daily dosages of EPA and DHA to be able to reduce the Triglyceride levels, and should be tested after 2-3 months to adjust the dosage. Catechins in Green Tea extract help to reduce triglycerides and when taken before meal, it reduces the absorption of the fat. Niacin as well is shown to reduce triglyceride level significantly.

Scientific data shows that higher levels of Blood Glucose is directly linked to increased risk of heart attacks. Lowering blood sugar also helps in reduction of LDL, Total Cholesterol and Inflammatory Markers such as CRP.

Chromium Picolinate by Increasing the Insulin sensitivity helps balancing the blood sugar levels. Amino Acids L Carnitine when taken regularly lowers the blood sugar and its indicator (Hemoglobin A1C). Acetyl L Carnitine is more bio-available than L Carnitine. Fibre significantly reduces the blood sugar and insulin spikes of after meal specially when taken before rich foods. Magnesium is found to be able to reduce Fast Blood Sugar and Hemoglobin A1C; while, it increases the Insulin sensitivity. Specific Polyphenols in Cinnamon extract boosts insulin sensitivity thus reduces blood sugar; plus it has shown to be effective in reducing LDL and Triglycerides.

Homocysteine is resulted from breaking down the Amino Acid Methionine found mainly in red meat. Normally Homocysteine level increases due to lack of proper methylation which further converts the Homoceyteine to the beneficial Amino Acid Cysteine. High levels of Homocysteine is shown to start and assist with the progression of Atherosclerosis (Hardening of Arteries).

Therapeutic dosage of Nutrients including Folate (methylfolate), B12 ( Methylcobalamin), B6 (Pyridoxamine / pyridoxal-5-phosphate), and B complex will improve the Methylation process converting more homocysteine to the harmless and beneficial amino acids.

Inflammatory marker CRP is produced by every cell of the body. More specifically when the high levels of CRP produced in the Liver and by the Fat Cells in the absence of inflammation contributes to Cardiovascular disease.

Nutrients such as Bio available Curcumin, Omega 3 Fatty acids, Co enzyme Q10 or Ubiquinol, Vitamin C and Vitamin D have shown to be able to reduce inflammation and levels of CRP.

Calcification of arteries increases by aging. Calcium distribution is regulated by hormones and adequate amount of Vitamin D and K2. Vitamin K2 plays a role in taking Calcium from the blood and carry it to the bones. Therefore Insufficient amount of Vitamin K2 increases the risk of osteoporosis and the calcification of arteries.

Arteries also lose their elasticity due to lower levels of the Nitric Oxide. Normally the levels of the Nitric Oxide in the Arterial wall decreases by aging. Amino Acids Like L Argenine will help to maintain levels of Nitric Oxide, however Argenine is usually metabolized in the body quickly, so it should be taken in separate dosages throughout the day. Pomegranate extract is another nutrient that has shown to effectively boost the Nitrogen Oxide levels in the blood.

Unwanted blood clots circulate in the blood and get trapped in small arteries blocking the blood flow to the heart or Brain. Omega 3 Fatty acids, Vitamin C, pine bark Extract (Ponthocyanidins), and Bromelain proteolytic enzyme reduce the risk of blood clot formation, especially in those with high blood clotting factor.

Studies link the blood pressure higher than 115/75 to greater risks of heart attack. Nutrients Including Vitamin C, Pomegranate extract, Magnesium, Garlic Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Omega 3 fatty acids, Grape Seed Extract may assist in maintenance of blood pressure and provide protection against the unwanted impacts of the high blood pressure, however they should not be considered as a substitute to the medications.

Any Hormonal Imbalance should be addressed adequately to prevent their impact on the Cardiovascular system. Thyroid hormones, Male and Female Hormones, and Adrenal Hormones play important role in balancing body's metabolism and should be considered when supporting Cardiovascular Health.

Life style and Dietary adjustment should be going hand in hand with nutritional protocols in order to prevent heart disease and stroke. Including more of the cruciferous vegetable such as cabbage, water cress, Kale, and broccoli, Adopting Mediterranean diet rich in omega fatty acids, Including fermented foods in your diet, Eating low caloric foods , Avoiding foods high in saturated fats and those with high glycemic index like fruit juices, syrups, and starch, Cutting back on processed foods and processed carbohydrates with white flour like bread, cereals, and crackers, Reducing consumption of the red meat and instead obtaining adequate amount of lean protein from sources like fish, turkey, chicken, seeds and nuts, all will contribute to a healthy levels of blood lipids, blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. Weight loss, and physical activities works only in conjunction with correct healthy diet to reduce abdominal fat, reverse metabolic diseases and to maintain and improve health and wellness.

Articles and products featured by Health Palace are collected from a variety of sources and are provided as a service by Health Palace. These newsletters, while of potential interest to readers, do not necessarily represent the opinions nor constitute the advice of Health Palace. Presented materials are only for information purposes and do not intent to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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