Protecting the heart

Cholesterol is a type of lipid made in the liver, that is essential for the structural component of our membrane, including cell walls, tissues and hormones.[i] Our body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, however high levels of cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. When fatty deposits develop in the blood vessels, blood flow through the arteries is restricted and as a result, clots may form that can be a cause of a heart attack.[ii]

Although sometimes inherited, unhealthy lifestyle choices may be a factor of high cholesterol and heart disease in people.[iii] Early interventions and better habits and life choices such as healthy diet, regular exercise, and introduction of supplementation may help reduce high cholesterol and support a healthy heart.

The Heart Foundation Australia states that the best diet option to protect the heart and lower the risk of developing heart diseases is plant-based proteins[iv] like chickpeas, nuts, and beans. In addition, seafood and poultry should be incorporated as part of a healthy-eating pattern due to their protein-rich nutrients. It is recommended to limit the consumption of red meat to one to three times a week as research has shown that this may increase the risk to the heart.

On top of a healthy diet, supplementation may help bridge the gap between the nutrients we need and are not getting enough of. Scientific research suggests that ubiquinol, the strongest fat-soluble antioxidant in the body and a natural anti-inflammatory agent found in our cells, may act against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol, by inactivating free radicals.[v] Ubiquinol may help to reduce oxidative stress to support maintaining a healthy heart and the overall cardiovascular.[vi] We can support our heart health by introducing ubiquinol into our diets or speaking to our healthcare practitioners about supplementation.

Nourishing our body from the inside is only one part of the equation. Getting enough physical movement each day is crucial in the regulation of cholesterol and sugar level, as well as lowering blood pressure to maintain good cardiovascular health.[vii] Research has found that regular exercise is robustly associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk.[viii]

This Red Feb is the perfect time to start giving your heart some extra love and start incorporating healthy diet habits, supplementation of ubiquinol, and regular exercise into your daily habits.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.  

References:
[i] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cholesterol
[ii] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/
[iii] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/
[iv] https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/healthy-living-and-eating/
[v] https://ubiquinol.org/statin-drugs
[vi] https://www.researchgate.net/Coenzyme_Q10_and_ubiquinol_as_adjunctive_therapy_for_heart_failure
[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172294/
[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172294/