Reversing heart disease can be within our reach based on current scientific knowledge. To understand how to achieve this, it is first important to understand some basics of how arteries and why it failed.
Our arteries are lined with a thin layer of cells, called the endothelium. This thin layer forms an interface between circulating blood and the rest of the vessel wall. Endothelial cells line all blood vessels in the circulatory system, including the capillaries. These cells also the passage of substances into and out of the bloodstream.
The onset of cardiovascular disease occurs when the endothelium begins to function properly. One of the main reasons for the endothelial dysfunction is decreased levels of nitric oxide. Endothelial cells produce nitric oxide normally. By controlling the elasticity of blood vessel walls, nitric oxide protects the blood vessels against injury and allows the heart to contract normally. It also helps prevent atherosclerosis.
reducing the amount of endothelial nitric oxide that occurs with aging, which results in the arteries stiff and blocked, leading to heart attack and stroke.
Another mechanism of injury occurs when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidizes, it sticks to the arteries caused a compilation of blockages. Now that we know what the two main mechanisms are, what can we do to stop the process?
Are drugs the answer? Mainstream medicine, various medications such as aspirin, statins, and hypertension medications. While these have a positive effect on the endothelium, they are really only a Band-Aid to a serious problem. In reality, they can only postpone a serious vascular event (eg heart attack, stroke).
The key lies in the promotion of the natural defenses of the body for the sub-endothelium at the cellular level. By increasing the nitric oxide and inhibition of free radicals oxidize that the LDLs, we can. A group of naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols have dramatically and positively influence these functions.
This antioxidant "super food" to protect the blood vessels prior to the inactivation of nitric oxide. This, in turn, quickly reverses an important component of endothelial dysfunction in humans. Also, since polyphenols is an important antioxidant activity, they are able to inhibit harmful free radical damage.
Here are the health benefits of polyphenols:
1. Increased circulating nitric oxide.
2. Decreases vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM). VCAM is for the promotion of leukocytes (white blood cells) adhesion to the endothelial lining. This can play an important role in the development of artherosclerosis.
3. Lowers blood pressure.
4. Inhibition of plasma lipid oxidation
5. One of the highest sources of antioxidants in the U.S. diet.
6. Animal models with polyphenols inhibited atherosclerosis.
7. Reduced platelet aggregation modest. Platelets are responsible for the formation of blood clots.
8. Improved insulin sensitivity.
9. Improved cognitive performance
As the potent antioxidant is one of these specific groups of polyphenols? A spoon is equal to 2.5 liters of raw vegetables. The quintessence is that polyphenols should be seen as part of a complete and healthy diet.
If you would like to hear people who share their clinical experiences with healthy chocolate, visit the Care Enough To Share website.
Author: Dr. Randall Roth earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was also a personal trainer prior to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Roth is passionate about health and nutrition and sharing information with others. He currently lives in Plano, TX with his wife and three children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_Roth