February is National Heart Month

February is National Heart Month

Did you know that February is National Heart Month? Every year since its congressional approval in 1963, the President has issued a proclamation to this effect, to help raise public awareness of heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease – specifically coronary artery disease – is still the number one case of deaths of men and women in the United States. Even though most people associated with heart disease are men, it is also the leading cause of death among women. Nonetheless, counter to popular opinion, heart attacks kill even more women then men. Sill, unfortunately, at least 100 million Americans have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Every 33 seconds, an American dies of heart disease. That’s nearly a million of us a year. Heart disease is more likely to kill you then cancer, respiratory disease, or car accidents.

Coenzyme Q10

Cardiovascular health can be compromised by diet, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and an array of other factors. Moreover, our bodies are often deficient in substances critical to healthy heart function. One example is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which helps produce energy in each cell, particularly those in the heart and other major organs. Since it has powerful antioxidant properties, it helps prevent LDL cholesterol oxidations.

Although the human body can synthesize CoQ10, in some situations the body’s capacity to produce CoQ10 is not sufficient to meet its needs. CoQ10 levels reach their peak in the human body by age 20 and fall slowly thereafter. In fact, 60% of the population has CoQ10 deficiency in their 50s and 60s. In addition, certain medication can reduce the body’s production of CoQ10. Supplements can help, but since most supplements of CoQ10 is poorly absorbed by the body, a supplement must be highly bioavailable to be effective.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Over 4,500 research studies on omega-3 fatty acids effects on overall health have been conducted in the last 25 years. Supportive, but not conclusive, research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Some research shows that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids promote cardiovascular health and help retain normal blood pressures and triglyceride levels (Spiller, Jensen, & Scala, 1987). Other studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease (Calder, 2004), help retain healthy triglyceride levels (Harris, 1999), help retain normal blood pressure (Geleijnse, et al., 2002), and even supports brain; (Yong, & Conquer, 2005) visual (SanGiovanni, & Chew, 2005); and joint functions (Curtis, et. al., 2004).

However, while the American Heart Association recommends that we eat two servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids every week, most people only eat fish three times per month. Moreover, there are growing concerns about unsafe levels of contaminants like mercury and lead that are now commonly found in fish.

Elevated Cholesterol

To take a proactive approach to your own heart health, it is important to retain normal cholesterol levels. The National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association say that half of all Americans adults may have elevated cholesterol (200mg/dl or higher; NHLBI, 2001). Elevated blood cholesterol doubles the risk of heart disease. The best way to maintain heart health is to take a proactive approach by eating a health-healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, and retaining normal cholesterol levels.

Here are some proven tips you can do to help your heart:

· Limit your intake of fat.

· Choose heart-healthy fats over saturated fats and trans fats.

· Limit your intake of sugars - including, eliminating sodas and moderating your “natural fruit juices” – since they are high in sugars, calories, and simple carbohydrates; eat the whole fruit instead. (Long, L. C., Jensen, and Whittam, 1990).

· Limit your intake of sodium/salt

· Choose more whole grains, legumes, fresh produce, and low fat dairy products.

· Choose lean meat and poultry

· Include fish in your diet (A few studies show Salmon has lower toxic levels of contaminants)

· Exercise portion control – smaller meals

· Become physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day

· Stop smoking

· Limit your intake of alcohol

Furthermore, support the health of your body’s hardest-working muscle with reputable supplements.

· Omega – Our pharmaceutical-grade omega-3s goes through a triple molecular distillation process to removes all impurities and contaminants such as lead, mercury, arsentic, cadmium, dioxins, and PCBs.

· CoQ Heart – Contains two natural substances with potent antioxidant properties – CoQ10 and resveratrol (640 mcg – equivalent to the amount of resveratrol in one glass of red wine) – in a single, highly bioavailable soft-gel capsule using a paten technology exclusive to our company

* Research the French Paradox for more information on the benefits of

resveratrol.

· Cholesterol Regulation Formula– Independent clinical studies have shown the following: Helps retain normal cholesterol levels (Yamamoto, 2000)। Increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels by up to 37% within three months (Hori, 2001). Helps inhibit absorption of dietary cholesterol (Yamamoto, 2000). Unlike other brands, Cholesterol Regulation Formula does not interrupt production of coenzyme Q10, a nutrient that provides strength and energy to the heart (Yamamoto, Yeuching, Tzu-Gsui, Hori, Morishita, Kamiya, Matsuoka, Yamamoto, Nagaoka, 1998).

Contact Your Shaklee Distributor for more information