CICICAN MEDICAL NEWS CENTER

In previous posts I have mentioned that high cholesterol may lead to plaque formation in heart blood vessels that blocks circulation and cause heart attack. I have also mentioned that one of the benefits of Omega 3 contained in fish oil is that it helps with cholesterol, heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Now I will show you how fish oil can reduce the risk of heart attack.

The basic cause of heart attacks is the thrombosis. To a nonprofessional, it means clog formation either in the arteries or in the brain. Fish oil prevents the plaque buildup on arterial walls. It also breaks up existing clots before they can cause any damage. It also keeps the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood thus reduce the possibility of heart attack. It also helps to keep the blood pressure under control.

With fried and processed food we mostly eat today, body has more of omega6. You will be surprised to know that omega6 to omega 3 ratio in most of us is 20:1. This is very high as in comparison to the optimal ratio i.e. 4:1. High ratio is the cause of many health issues like chronic inflammation and strokes. One of the significant properties of omega 6 is that it thickens the blood. This blood thickening can lead to chronic inflammation and hence to devastating conditions such as aneurysms and strokes. Omega 3 fats found in the fish oil supplement help counteract the same and lower the omega 6 to omega 3 ratio.

So if you think you have the risk of heart attack, you should consider adding fish oil supplement in your diet. However, it is important that you consult your physician before taking any fish oil supplement.

Chest pain may be due to partial blockage of blood circulation or complete obstruction of blood supply to the heart muscle resulting in extensive heart muscle damage. High cholesterol is one of the most important predictive risk factors of coronary artery disease. It leads to plaque formation in heart blood vessels that blocks circulation. This is known as a heart attack.

The main cause for a heart attack is plaque rupture with clot formation, restricting the blood flow to the heart. Some of the known factors leading to plaque rupture include thin fibrous cap, large lipid-rich core, and inflammatory cells. Two-thirds of those with acute heart attack have blockage of less than 50 percent. There is less than 75 percent blockage in more than 90 percent of heart attack cases, suggesting plaque rupture leads to heart attacks.

Recent studies have shown that inflammation of the inner layer of blood vessels leads to vessel injury and plaque vulnerability. During autopsies multiple layers of atherosclerotic plaque is observed frequently, suggesting an ongoing process of rupturing and healing as one mechanism of atherosclerosis progression. As these plaques age, calcification forms over like multiple eggshell layers which are resistant to rupture. Cardiovascular events usually occur as a consequence of disruption of a vulnerable plaque. High cholesterol and cigarette smoking have been shown to be directly associated with plaque instability and disruption. Lowering cholesterol stabilizes plaque.

The right kind of fats is essential part of a healthy lifestyle that results in feeling and looking great. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are the kind of fats that you should add in your diet. Some of the benefits of omega 3 are:

- improves your attention span and mood
- helps with cholesterol, heart disease and cardiovascular disease
- encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
- stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
- improves your skin tone and radiance
- boosts your immune system

Therefore it would be beneficial to include Omega 3 as part of your daily regimen along with a balanced diet.

Omega 3 is made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. You can also get omega 3 from unrefined whole grains, dark and leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.

If you don’t like seafood, you can get omega 3 in capsule form. You will receive the benefits of the fish without actually having to eat it. It’s an extremely convenient way to add omega 3 to your diet. Before you take any supplement, consult with your doctor to see what he / she recommends.

Soy Protein is emerging as a major alternative source of protein for human consumption. Health experts are excited as to how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What is the joy? Here are some reasons to be fed with soy protein.

Soy Protein is a plant protein. Soy beans contain complete protein and has one of the most digestible of all the sources of protein. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and virtually no cholesterol. The lactose intolerant will be happy to know that soy beans contain no lactose.

Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics containing animal protein. It is also free of parasites that contaminate some of these products. It is also free of diseases like mad cow disease and FMD.

Vegetarians love this bean as it provides them with a comparable, but better source of protein for animal protein counterparts. Provides them with a protein that is better and easier to digest and it is comparable to most protein supplements. Click to Read More »

Besides good genetics, there are several factors involved in longevity, as the city’s diet and exercise. But the important thing is not really live longer, but those years are accompanied by a good quality of life. A part of a healthy lifestyle, avoid risk factors as far as we can: control diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, vascular disease, obesity, not smoking or moderate alcohol consumption. We must not forget something that, despite its importance, sometimes not taken too present, which is the brain and cognitive development. The brain is an organ, and as such has to stay healthy and active. This will impact on our health and our mood.

To date, the only measure that has been shown to slow aging is calorie restriction in diet to 30-35%, also taking this very healthy effects such as the delay of certain diseases associated with age and physiological mechanisms is the glucose metabolism, muscle atrophy or immune system efficiency.

As I said before, what matters is not only living longer but successful aging, ie to provide the highest possible quality of life in recent years. There are factors that are conducive to this as being healthy, having social activity, female gender, intellectual capacity or vital personal satisfaction. Click to Read More »

It is perfectly possible to lose fat simply by exercising, but requires more time and effort. Remember that half a kilo of fat equals 4500 calories.

How much exercise burn half a kilo of body fat?

To burn enough calories to lose half a kilo of fat could ….

- Walk for a total of 56 kilometers

- Swimming at a pace moderately high for six hours

- Dance for 12 hours

- Playing golf around 12 hours, carrying your own clubs.

- Jogging for 47 kilometers Click to Read More »