Several large studies show a clear connection between an increased homocysteine level in the blood plasma and the risk of having a heart attack, heart failure, the so-called insufficiency, or a stroke. Each increase in values by 5 μmol/l (see page 15) increases e.g. B. the risk of coronary heart disease by about 20 to 23 percent.
Conversely, scientists have shown that if the homocysteine level is reduced by 25 percent, the risk of heart disease decreases by 11 percent and for a stroke by an average of 19 percent. Among other things, the metabolite leads to collagen deposits in the heart, which reduce its performance. But also a lack of vitamin B12 and folic acidincreases the risk of stroke. This is shown by a study by the German Institute for Nutrition in Potsdam.
In fact, regular intake of the two B vitamins along with vitamin B6 prevents thickening of the arterial walls. And that is a precursor to serious vascular disease. In diagnostic ultrasound measurements of the vessels, heart researchers have found that the wall thickness in “vitamin patients” decreases and the vessels become more elastic again. This reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis due to high homocysteine levels.
US researchers from Harvard University found that high doses of folic acid increase the blood flow rate by up to 49 percent. This can significantly reduce high blood pressure.
Tip: The best heart protection is a healthy lifestyle. Which means something like: reducing stress through yoga, meditation or 20 to 30 minutes of endurance sports, dancing or gymnastics per day. Deep-sea fish such as cod or linseed oil contain a lot of healthy omega-3 fatty acids for optimal vessel protection, a Mediterranean-oriented cuisine provides many vitamins.
Black and green tea improve the flow properties of the blood, prevent clots and thus protect against heart attacks and strokes. The pump function also improves.
The German Heart Foundation recommends at least 14 cups of tea per week. The best medicinal herb for a weakening heart is hawthorn (e.g. “Crategutt novo 450 mg”, pharmacy). It ensures good blood flow to the heart muscle.
