How to love your heart in 2017

by Alana Lowes

Australian cardiologist Dr Ross Walker shares his tips on how to give your heart the love it deserves in 2017.

Tip #1: Eat Oily Fish

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, and additionally, reduce inflammation in the body, particularly around the joints.

Tip #2: Spend Time with Friends

Research has shown that people who maintain healthy friendship networks throughout life actually have a lower risk of heart disease. Reduced stress and anxiety as a result of these relationships plays a significant role in these findings, not to mention the vital happiness chemicals, serotonin, dopamine & oxytocin, released as a consequence of love & bonding.

Tip #3: Try a Ubiquinol supplement

Ubiquinol is the active (more readily absorbed) form of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant found naturally in the body. Our CoQ10 levels decline naturally as we age, and Ubiquinol supplements can help to support your natural energy levels to function at your prime. Exciting research has shown that Ubiquinol supports healthy heart function, as well as reducing the common muscle pain and tension that people experience when taking statins for cholesterol management.

Tip #4: Get Physical

It may seem too simple to be true, but these days, experts are recommending that exercise should be the first thing prescribed to individuals with health concerns. This is because the benefits of exercise stretch far beyond keeping your waistband in check – exercise actually strengthens your heart, and 30 minutes of exercise per day has been shown to reduce an individual’s risk of heart disease.

Tip #5: Embrace Turmeric

Turmeric has this year become a popular term in health world, and for good reason- the ancient spice has potent anti-inflammatory effects and many experts believe it can be extremely effective in assisting the reduction of inflammation in the joints. One study conducted in Japan found that curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its distinct yellow colour, significantly improved cardiac health over a three week period and reduced inflammatory lesions in the heart area.