Six vitamins and minerals to prevent heart attack

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Bangla Tribune Desk
Published : 14:18, Feb 02, 2019 | Updated : 18:15, Feb 02, 2019

According to the experts, six vitamins and minerals in particular can help prevent life-threatening Heart AttacksHeart attack is a serious health condition where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.

However, it can be prevented through some simple diet changes, British tabloid Express reports citing expert opinion.

According to the experts, six vitamins and minerals in particular can help prevent the life-threatening condition.

The leading cause of heart attack is coronary heart disease, which is where the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood get clogged up with deposits of cholesterol - known as plaques. When a plaque ruptures this can cause a blood clot and blocks the supply of blood to the heart, triggering a heart attack.

Eating too much salt is strongly advised against as this may raise your blood pressure and high blood pressure can increase your risk of coronary heart disease.

Eating foods that keep your blood healthy is key, and according to medical constant Dr Sarah Brewer and dietician Juliette Kellow there are six vitamins and minerals the blood needs to function properly, the report reads.

In their book titled ‘Eat Better Live Longer’ they explain, “The body produces over 200 billion new red blood cells every day.

“To do this efficiently, bone marrow needs vital ingredients - iron and copper (for haemoglobin production), vitamin A (for stem cell activity), and various B vitamins (vitamins B6, B12, and folate for haemoglobin manufacture).

“A varied diet will provide all the essential micronutrients for making red blood cells.”

All these vitamins and minerals are also available in supplement form, if you fear you aren’t getting enough from your diet.

But here are foods rich in the vitamins and minerals outlined, according to the NHS.

Vitamin A

  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Oily fish
  • Fortified low-fat spreads
  • Milk and yoghurt
  • Liver and liver products such as liver pateEggs contain small amounts of almost every vitamin and mineral required by the human body, including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, folate and many more.

Vitamin B6

  • Poultry such as chicken or turkey
  • Fish
  • Bread
  • Wholegrain cereals such as oatmeal, wheatgerm and brown rice
  • Eggs
  • Vegetables
  • Soya beans
  • PeanutsPeanuts are rich in protein, fat, and various healthy nutrients.
  • Milk
  • Potatoes
  • Some fortified breakfast cerealsThe nutritional content of potatoes can vary depending on the variety and how they are prepared. For example, frying potatoes adds more calories and fat than baking them.

Vitamin B12

  • Meat
  • Salmon
  • Cod
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Some fortified breakfast cerealsMeat is a great source of protein and important nutrients.

Folate

  • BroccoliBroccoli is a nutritional powerhouse full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Liver
  • Leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach
  • PeasPeas contain just about every vitamin and mineral you need, in addition to a significant amount of fiber.
  • Chickpeas
  • breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid

Iron

  • Liver
  • Meat
  • Beans
  • NutsWalnuts have higher antioxidant activity than any other common nut.
  • Dried fruit - such as dried apricots
  • Wholegrain - such as brown rice
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
  • Soy bean flour
  • Most dark-green leafy vegetables - such as watercress and curly kale

Copper

  • Foods high in copper, according to Healthline, include:
  • Liver
  • Oysters
  • Spirulina
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Lobster
  • Leafy greens
  • Dark chocolateShiitake mushrooms, one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide, boost immunity and support heart health.
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