Diet and lifestyle play a major role in maintaining good heart health. Particularly rich in nutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants and iron, moringa powder is an essential contribution in this regard.
Cardiovascular diseases are those that affect the heart and blood vessels such as: arterial hypertension (raised blood pressure in the arteries), coronary heart disease (heart attack or infarction, stroke), angina pectoris, aneurysm, cardiac asthma, cholesterol…
Cardiovascular diseases are those that affect the heart and blood vessels such as: arterial hypertension (raised blood pressure in the arteries), coronary heart disease (heart attack or infarction, stroke), angina pectoris, aneurysm, cardiac asthma, cholesterol…
Indeed, cardiovascular diseases are today the leading cause of death in the world according to the World Health Organization. More than three-quarters of deaths from these diseases occur even in low- and middle-income countries. The main risk factors are related to lifestyle: smoking, lack of physical activity, unbalanced diet, harmful use of alcohol, etc.
To guard against or lessen the effects, it is therefore necessary to return to a balanced lifestyle, based on a healthy diet and good habits (sport, no tobacco, etc.).
Cardioprotective diet
The Mediterranean diet is often taken as a reference when it comes to cardioprotective nutrition.
Among the nutrients good for heart health, omega-3s have a place of choice. These essential fatty acids are present in fatty fish (mackerel, anchovies, sardines, salmon) or nuts (almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.). Other types of recommended lipids, the monounsaturated fatty acids contained in olive oil or avocados for example.
Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber that capture excess fat in the food bowl and thus help lower cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables also contain many antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols among others), minerals (calcium and iron in particular) and vitamins, all molecules essential for the proper functioning of the heart.
On the other hand, red meats (mutton, pork, beef) which contain saturated fats likely to accumulate in the arteries and clog them, should be consumed in moderation (no more than twice a week, without exceeding 500 g). In the same vein, it is advisable not to exceed 6 g of salt per day.
In addition, a French study published in the British Medical Journal in May 2019 shows that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods (smoked meats, cold cuts, dehydrated soups, sodas, confectionery, etc.) in a person’s diet increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12%.
Cardiotonic virtues of moringa
The antioxidant properties of moringa – renowned as the most nutritious plant in the plant kingdom – and their action against free radicals protect the heart and keep it in good shape. Indeed, high levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Like all leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), moringa also contains fiber, minerals and vitamins. Among these, the B group vitamins in particular folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 which contribute to the elimination of homocysteine ​​in the blood. In high quantities, this molecule causes damage in the arteries. Vitamins E and C are of great interest due to their antioxidant capacities.
And, among the essential amino acids provided by moringa, is arginine, a precursor to the production of nitric oxide necessary for the dilation of blood vessels and the smoothing of blood flow. Not to mention vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. Finally, the iron contained in moringa oxygenates the blood while the oil extracted from its seeds, made up of 80% monounsaturated fatty acids, increases good cholesterol and reduces the bad.
Some studies:
Joseph I. Randriamboavonjy, Gervaise Loirand, Nathalie Vaillant, Benjamin Lauzier, Sévérine Derbré, Serge Michalet, Pierre Pacaud, Angela Tesse, Cardiac Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Seeds in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats , American Journal of Hypertension, Volume 29, Issue 7, July 2016, Pages 873–881 Sparman, Alfred. (2017). A Combination of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Vitamin C in the Management of Key Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Natural Products Chemistry & Research. 05. 10.4172/2329-6836.1000276.
