It’s American Heart Awareness Month and just like world heart day, we want to kick off the month with an informative article on how we can keep the heart healthy and strong.
The heart is at the center of our livelihood and an integral part of our circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Being about the size of an adult human fist, the heart beats about 115,000 times and pumps about 2000 gallons of blood every day. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the rest of our bodies while carrying metabolic waste like carbon to the lungs for expulsion. I think it’s fair to say that the heart gets no days off and so we must do our due diligence in maintaining its integrity. Hearth health is determined by the way we eat, the heart vitamins we take, and how active we are in our daily lives. Vitamins for heart health are an excellent way to keep the heart healthy, correct any deficiencies and manage heart-related problems.
Omega 3 for Heart Health
Omega 3 is one of the best supplements for heart health. It is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from external sources like food and vitamins.
Studies have shown that omega 3 can be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. It does this by lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels while lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Studies have also shown that Omega 3 can also decrease platelet aggregation, which keeps the passage of the coronary arteries open, preventing stroke.
Inflammation in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease and stroke. Omega 3 contains active anti-inflammatory properties which help to combat inflammation and protect the blood vessels. Noor’s Omega 3 vitamins are a clean and rich source of this polyunsaturated fat. It is Halal certified and boasts freshness and purity which makes it a rich, high potency supplement. go beyond heart health, it is beneficial to all of our bodily functions and even improves the health of our hair, skin, and nails!
Common food sources containing omega 3 fatty acids include oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Avocados, nuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds.
Multivitamins for Heart Health
Multivitamins are one of the best supplements we can take for the overall maintenance of good health. It helps to fill nutritional gaps in our diet and provides an array of staple nutrients our bodies need. Noor’s Energy + Multivitamins are particularly good for heart health because it contains ample amounts of B vitamins which not only helps to energize the body but blocks amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to heart disease. Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and has also been used to correct abnormal heart rhythms. Vitamin D lowers blood pressure, prevents stroke– the list of nutrients in a multivitamin and its benefits to the heart can go on! All in all, multivitamins are a great addition to your list of heart vitamins. Food sources would include a wholesome diet in fresh fruits, vegetables, halal meat, and grains.
Negative Effects of Poor Heart Health
When we have a poor diet, do not exercise, experience chronic stress, are not getting sufficient amounts of omega 3 and other heart vitamins, we leave ourselves at risk for heart-related problems. High blood pressure, also known as the silent killer, is a result of stress and a high fat/salt intake. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis which can then lead to heart disease. This is a result of poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, and a lack of exercise.
The best way to be mindful of the health of our hearts is to support it with supplements, a wholesome diet, and exercise.
Diet and Healthy Heart Tips
There are many ways we can improve the health of our hearts starting today! Diet is the number one factor so reducing salt and fatty food intake is a positive step in the right direction. Replace it with healthier food choices like oily fish and high fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains. Going for a daily walk, meditating, and giving up smoking can also prevent heart-related problems. Did you know that laughter is good for the heart? Find out more ways to maintain a healthy heart.
Bottom Line
The heart is the center of our body’s universe. Its health is directly linked to the way we eat, how active we are, the vitamins we take, and our ability to incorporate stress management techniques in our daily lives. We are never too old to start taking our heart health more seriously. All it takes is one step in the right direction, and slowly doing away with unhealthy habits as we begin to incorporate a more beneficial lifestyle. Do what brings you joy and laugh more, as it’s good for the heart, reduces stress and boosts the immune system. Heart disease is a preventable ailment, so begin the road to prevention with a more serious yet joyful approach to heart health.