( Women ’ s Health )
WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE
DR JASON KAPLAN
Integrative Cardiologist , Dr Jason Kaplan explains the potential benefits of aged garlic on heart health .
hen we think of heart disease , a
W common perception is that it is
singularly a problem for men , yet statistics from The Australian Heart Foundation show that more than two million Australian women are affected by cardiovascular disease , making it everyone ’ s concern .
Diet and exercise are two essential ingredients for reducing your risk but latest research is also pointing to the benefits of garlic , in particular a specially formulated garlic known as Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract .
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract is no ordinary garlic . It ’ s manufactured from organically grown garlic that has been naturally aged for up to 20 months , at room temperature . It has more potent active ingredients , fewer side effects , and better standardisation of dosage than fresh garlic , garlic oil or garlic powder . Best of all , Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract has all the benefits of fresh garlic without the characteristic garlic breath .
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract may be suitable for people who are looking for a natural alternative to help support their cardiovascular health and may assist your heart health in the following ways :
Blood pressure
Almost half a million women aged 30 to 65 years have high blood pressure or high cholesterol , but don ’ t know it . High blood pressure is also important risk factor for cardiovascular disease .
In a study , published in 2016 , researchers found Aged Garlic Extract may lower blood pressure and may be used alone or alongside a blood pressure lowering medicine , as advised by your healthcare professional . Conducted by National Institute of Integrative Medicine in Melbourne , the 12-week study found Aged Garlic Extract reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 5mm of mercury for about 70 per cent of participants .
Artery support
Your arteries play an important role in your cardiovascular health . When it comes to coronary artery disease , the progressive build-up of fat , inflammatory tissue and calcification within the walls of the arteries is a key cause of the condition . Medically referred to as ‘ atherosclerosis ’, hard and soft plaques can build up over time and can narrow our arteries .
In a study performed by the University of California , Aged Garlic Extract was found to reverse the fatty deposits around the heart and reduce calcification in the arteries . Performed by Professor Matthew Budoff , the study showed a reduction in the progression of heart disease with a standard daily dose of Aged Garlic Extract . Other factors for managing heart disease include :
Control your weight
Excess weight can take a toll on your heart . Blood pressure often increases as weight increases , adding another risk factor for heart disease in women . Strive for a Body Mass Index ( BMI ) under 25 . The good news is that losing even a few kilos may help to reduce your chances of heart disease . Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days . You don ’ t have to go to the gym - moderate intensity exercise such as swimming , cycling etc . or walking your kids to school can all add up .
Move more and stress less
Amongst other things , chronic stress is a significant contributor to heart disease in women , so it ’ s worth taking some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed and considering how you can eliminate or reduce that stress . Make time for relaxation . Just 15 to 20 minutes a day to sit quietly and breathe deeply can really make a difference as it can help reduce stress hormones .
Consider a Mediterranean diet
A balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet which is high in antioxidant-rich fruits , vegetables , lean meat , olive oil and healthy fats , can help to ease the burden of stress on your heart .
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! MAGAZINE ( APRIL 2017 ) 13