Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the developed world. Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of movement, smoking, high stress states, etc., are the major contributors to cardiovascular deaths.
Your lifestyle choices, therefore, can also be primary factors in preventing heart disease. Exercising regularly, avoiding processed foods, and doing your best to allow your body to cope with stress – sleeping well, meditation and prayer – and developing good relationships, all help to prevent the disease.
A study out of Sweden, published in the International Journal of Cardiology, showed that increasing intake of two antioxidants, CoQ10 and selenium, in combination, may decrease the risk of heart disease by almost 50%. These protective effects also appear to last for years after stopping the supplements. These nutrients improve overall heart function and protect against the effects of oxidative stress, which is known to accelerate the aging process, and is a major contributor to chronic disease.
The best source of these important nutrients is food: CoQ10 can be found in salmon, tuna, liver and whole grains, and good sources of selenium include wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, shellfish, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts. These antioxidants can also be taken in supplement form, but it is a good idea to discuss them with your doctor, to ensure safety and appropriate dosing.
