3 Innovative Heart-Healthy Tips

Healthy habits can be surprisingly simple. Here are three from researchers who presented their latest findings at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017.

1. Savor Food Slowly:

“Eating more slowly may be a crucial lifestyle change to help prevent metabolic syndrome,” said Takayuki Yamaji, MD, author of a study showing that slow eaters are less likely to gain weight and develop metabolic syndrome. “When people eat fast,” he said, “they tend not to feel full and are more likely to overeat.”

2. Be a Smart TV Viewer:

“Watching TV itself isn’t likely bad, but we tend to snack and sit still for prolonged periods while watching,” said Mary Cushman, MD, author of a study showing that avid TV watchers were nearly twice as likely to develop a dangerous blood clot, compared to people who rarely watch TV. “You could put a treadmill or stationary bike in front of your TV and move while watching,” she suggests. Or, record your favorite show while you’re out for a walk, and watch it later, minus the ads.

3 Keep Gums Healthy:

Where there’s gum disease, getting it treated significantly lowers blood pressure. One study found that after intensive dental treatment, blood pressure began to gradually drop and within six months, systolic pressure (the top number) was 13 points lower and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) dropped by nearly 10 points.

Ubiquinol CoQ10 = Better Absorption

CoQ10 provides energy to cells, especially the cells in the heart, and low levels of this critical nutrient are linked to nearly every form of cardiovascular disease, including angina, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. CoQ10 supplements can be hard to absorb, particularly the ubiquinone form. But studies show that a more bioavailable form of CoQ10—ubiquinol—provides 60 percent better absorption than standard CoQ10 supplements. Studies have demonstrated that ubiquinol effectively inhibits LDL oxidation and may have a direct effect on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Ubiquinol has also been found to improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Ubiquinol supplements are generally labeled as “CoQ10 Ubiquinol,” “Super Ubiquinol CoQ10,” and “Ubiquinol QH.” To be sure you’re getting ubiquinol and not ubiquinone, look for the word “ubiquinol” on the Supplement Facts panel.—Kim Erickson