February is Heart Month, and an Ottawa pharmacist says some supplements and foods can help you maintain the health of your blood pumping organ.
From garlic to dark chocolate, author and pharmacist Sherry Torkos, shared some ways with CTV Morning Live to keep your heart healthy. She explains the benefits of some foods and supplements that have been clinically studied.
Aged garlic extract
“So, let’s start with garlic. We love garlic, but we really don’t want to smell like garlic. And there are tons of benefits with garlic. In fact, there’s a specific type of garlic that has been the subject of 900 scientific studies,” she said while pointing out a supplement called aged garlic extract.
Aged garlic extract is made of organic garlic. She says the process of making it includes processing the garlic to remove all the stinking that comes with it.
The compounds of this supplement have been studied to show that it could help with blood pressure, circulation, inflammation and cholesterol, according to Torkos. A side benefit for this supplement is helping the immune system, she adds.
“So, that’s Kyolic aged garlic extract,” she said, noting that it has different formulas at the pharmacies.
Torkos says this supplement can be used for prevention and performance.
Salmon, Omega-3
Salmon is also good for your health, Torkos notes, citing the importance of Omega-3.
“And we know that we need to be eating more fish in (our) regular diet to get the benefits. Canada’s food guide recommends two servings of cold-water fish a week,” Torkos explained.
Omega-3 can also be sourced from supplements, she says.
Torkos notes that supplements have evolved throughout the years, pointing out a gummy chew.
“(It) has no fishy smell, (and) no fishy taste,” she said.
The gummy chew has 300 EPA and 225 DHA, which are the beneficial fatty acids that you need. Torkos suggests taking it daily if you’re unable to meet your target intake of Omega-3 from fish, adding that it can be found in pharmacies and supplement stores.
Green tea, oats, chocolate
Torkos notes the medicinal benefits in green tea. She says there’s an antioxidant in green tea that is good for the health of blood vessels. She says it helps lower blood pressure and inflammation.
“So, think of adding three to five cups of green tea per day to get the benefits,” she said.
Oats lower cholesterol and blood sugar and feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, she says.
“A cup and a half of oats taken every day has been shown to have lowered cholesterol,” Torkos said.
The Cocoa bean and the flavanol that’s present in it are healthy for you, she says. Torkos recommends dark chocolate.
“You want at least 70 per cent of the Cocoa solids,” she said. “Enjoy your chocolate in moderation.”
