Heart disease has been the number one killer in the world for over a decade, and when you think about it statistically, you have a pretty good chance of leaving this earth from a heart attack.
With this grim reality in mind, one should not only try to prevent it, but also try to delay it for as long as possible.
A diet rich in sugar and fatty foods, combined with a lack of exercise, can definitely contribute to heart disease. But unfortunately, there is one major factor that could accelerate it, and it is completely out of your control — your genetics. In other words, if you are predisposed to heart disease, the odds are that you may run into some trouble as you age.
Plaque is the fatty buildup in the vessel walls that can lead to a heart attack. It contains cholesterol, and over time it can grow. When there is an excessive amount of plaque lining the vessel walls, it prevents blood from reaching the heart — and that is when a heart attack occurs.
But not all cholesterol is the same, which brings us to the discussion of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is the bad kind. It travels throughout the body and deposits harmful cholesterol droplets into the artery walls. HDL cholesterol is the good kind — it operates more like a vacuum, traveling around and scooping up the bad cholesterol.
So now the real question: what can we do about it?
Take your fish oil.
One of the best things you can do is supplement with essential fatty acids, which contain two families of omegas: omega-3 and omega-6.
Omega-6 fatty acids — known as arachidonic acid — are the inflammatory fatty acids. They are considered the problematic ones, and while the body does require some inflammation, most people consume far more omega-6 than omega-3.
Omega-3 fatty acids are the anti-inflammatory ones — the good ones — and the balance between the two is essential. Remember, too much inflammation can be dangerous and life-threatening.
One of the best ways to control this balance is by supplementing with fish oil. Taking a fish oil supplement rich in EPA and DHA at 3 grams per day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease for most people.
Other benefits of taking essential fatty acids include:
• May reduce the risk of brain disorders
• May aid in fat loss
• Supports eye health
• Supports brain health
• May help with depression
• Promotes skin health
Another recommendation: when you get your annual physical, ask about a CT scan to assess the condition of your artery walls. I suggest that anyone over the age of 35 have this done at least once.
Your take-home lesson is this — like a multivitamin and fiber supplement, essential fatty acids are a must in your supplement arsenal, especially if your goal is to live to 100. 😊
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