Archive for May, 2013
Supplements to prevent heart problems
The heart is one of the most important organs of the body and is responsible for sending oxygen, nutrients and blood required by other parts of the body. Studies have shown that a normal human heart pumps more than 100,000 times and pumps more 2,000 gallons of blood in day. Changing lifestyle of people can cause several heart problems like arrhythmia, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. Most people take medication to deal with these heart problems, while others use supplements to control the heart diseases. Even though there are several heart disease supplements that can help in controlling heart problems, take them only after you consult a doctor. Some of the supplements that are available in the marketplace include:
Fish Oils
Fish oils are a good a source of essential fatty acids like Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosa Hexaenoic Acid (DHA) and omega 3. Recent studies have shown that fish oils can help in reducing heart problems like high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeats. It also reduces the growth of arterial plaques which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack. Health experts are of the view that people can take 1 g of fish oil that contains both DHA and EPA every day. However, since fish oils can have adverse affect on the health of certain people, you must consult a healthcare provider before taking any fish oil supplement.
CoQ10
This is a compound that is found mitochondria of heart cells and are responsible for producing energy. CoQ10 help in keeping the heart healthy by preventing blood clots and by improving energy production. Studies have also shown that some people suffer from chronic heart diseases because of reduced CoQ10 levels in their body.
In a study published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation, it was found that patients who suffered from congestive heart failure benefited after taking CoQ10 supplements. People who suffered from congestive heart failure, required frequent hospitalization because they suffered from problems like accumulation of fluids in their lungs and irregular heartbeat. Researchers found that patients who were given conventional therapy and 2 mg of CoQ10 everyday for one year had fewer visits to the hospital. Also, incidence of serious complications also reduced after taking CoQ10.
Even though CoQ10 can reduce the incidence of heart problems, you must take CoQ10 supplements only after you consult your doctor.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like selenium, zinc and copper can help in removing free radicals that are generated when normal biochemical reactions take place in your body. If these free radicals are not removed from the body they can damage the tissues and cells and can cause cancer and heart problems. Health experts are of the view that antioxidants can improve the normal functions of most organs of the body including your heart.
Carnitine
This compound helps the mitochondria in your cells to produce energy. Carnitine is made naturally by your body using two essential amino acids methionine and lysine. Both these amino acids are found in abundant quantities in red meat.
Studies have shown that depleted levels of carnitine can lead to heart attack. When patients were given carnitine orally or by injections, it protected their heart and prevented heart attacks. Supplementation helped in reducing the toxic effects of acids and improved the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Magnesium
All organs of the body including the heart need magnesium. It helps in maintaining the normal rhythm of your heart and reduces the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Magnesium supplements also help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
A word of Caution
Even though the supplements mentioned in the article help in reducing heart problems, you must take these supplements only after you consult your doctor.
Benefits of Wheatgrass
Video on how to grow Wheatgrass at Home
Many people hate the idea of drinking a glass of wheatgrass juice. Even though wheatgrass juice is not tasty, it is the best source of living chlorophyll. The botanical name of the plant is Triticum Aestivum and is said to contain about 98 earth elements. Some of the health benefits of the plant are:
Amino Acids
Wheatgrass is known to contain about 18 amino acids like isoleucine, leucine, lysine and several other essential amino acids. Adequate supply of these amino acids is required for normal functioning of the body. These amino acids are required for enzyme and protein synthesis and help in growth, development and maintenance of cells and muscular structure.
Antiseptic Properties
The antiseptic properties make it an ideal product for healing rashes, bruises, scores and several other skin problems. You can also use wheatgrass as a soothing agent for sunburns.
Good for your hair
Many people mix wheatgrass with their regular shampoo to repair their damaged hair. You can also use wheatgrass powder to get rid of dandruff. The juice of wheat grass also helps in getting rid of grey hair.
Vitamin C
Most people are unaware of the fact that wheatgrass contains more Vitamin C than oranges. Also, it contains Vitamin A which is good for your eyes.
Anti-Ageing Properties
The anti-ageing properties of wheatgrass help in rejuvenating your skin and slow down the aging process. It also helps in maintaining skin elasticity and which tackles the problem of sagging skin. You can also use a mixture of wheatgrass and milk to get rid of pimples and acne.
Wards off the effects of radiation
Wheatgrass is known to contain an enzyme called SOD which helps in reducing the negatives of radiation. Also, the anti-inflammatory compounds present in wheatgrass help in preventing cellular damage.
Improves Hemoglobin Production
The pollutants in the atmosphere can harm the lungs and affect the hemoglobin production. This damage caused by pollutions and gases can be repaired by including products that contain chlorophyll in your diet. When you have products like wheatgrass that contain chlorophyll, it improves the production of hemoglobin in the blood.
Detoxification
Wheatgrass is a powerful detoxifying agent as it helps in removing harmful toxins from your body. It improves the strength of cells, detoxifies the liver and blood and protects your body form carcinogens.
A word of caution
Even though wheatgrass offers several health benefits, it is in your interest to apply caution when using this product. It is a good idea to include wheatgrass in small amounts before you make it a part of your regular diet. While wheatgrass is safe for most men and women, it can cause allergic reaction like nausea, swelling of the throat and headaches in a few people. Since wheatgrass is consumed raw, it can contain bacteria or mold that can harm your body. Also, pregnant women, women who nurse their child, and people suffering from wheat or grass allergies must avoid taking wheatgrass.
