HEALTHY LIVING
Listen to Your Heart
Get your LDL cholesterol under control with plant- based nutrients. :: BY DAVID ALLIOT
S
pring is a season for renewal — and what better time to start a plan for a healthy heart?
First, if you don’t already know the
numbers, get your cholesterol levels checked.
Cholesterol is that waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. You probably already know the two types: low-density lipoprotein (usually called “bad” or LDL) cholesterol and high- density lipoprotein (often referred to as “good” or HDL) cholesterol. You might also know that if there’s
too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can clog your blood vessels, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through them. And that’s not good — for anyone.
TIME TO STRATEGIZE Even if your numbers square, it’s time to think about a long-term plan for a healthy heart — after all, it’s key to longevity. “It’s been said a million times — heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America,” Dr. David Brownstein tells Newsmax. “But it doesn’t have to be. “Following healthy dietary guidelines will help nearly everyone who tries them.” Brownstein, a board-certified family
physician and author of the newsletter Dr. David Brownstein’s Natural Way to Health, says the time to act is now. That’s where nature
comes in. Phytosterols, also
96 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | MARCH 2025
known as plant sterols, are a family of molecules related to cholesterol. They’re found
naturally in a variety of plants and, like cholesterol, they’re a key structural component of cell membranes. And they’ve got great protective power. According to the National Institutes
of Health, phytosterols can block the absorption of cholesterol, so they can be a smart choice to improve heart health and decrease LDL cholesterol.
NATURE’S SECRETS Research shows that a diet rich in these powerful phytosterols can help lower cholesterol. They’re abundant in nature, so you won’t have trouble finding them. The list is long, but here’s where you can find the best: Legumes, beans, lentils,
and chickpeas Whole-grain cereals such as rye,
wheat, barley, millet, rice, and oats Berries, apples, and citrus fruits Nuts and seeds Avocados Healthy plant-based oils like
olive oil
FORTIFY YOUR PLAN Plant phytosterols pack a heart- healthy punch. But they are part of a
HAWTHORN TEA Rich in flavonoids, supports lower LDL.
comprehensive plan. While there are a great many herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for heart health, the following — together with phytosterols — offer key heart support. Hawthorn. This herb is exhaustively studied to enhance blood flow and circulation.
“Hawthorn is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals,” Brownstein says. CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble antioxidant, is a key component for proper muscle function. “Depletion of
CoQ10 could be predicted to cause reduced heart function,” says Brownstein. Along with the
kidneys and lungs, the heart contains
the highest amount of CoQ10 in the human body. CoQ10 is found in many sources, including meat and fish. Magnesium. This essential mineral
plays a critical role in maintaining heart health by regulating heart rhythm. It’s that important. “Low magnesium intake was
associated with an 81% higher risk of reduced ejection fraction,” Brownstein warns, referring to the heart’s ability to pump blood to the tissues. Spinach and bananas are good sources.
GET MOVING Don’t forget to add exercise to your routine. Choose low-impact regimens that get your heart pumping. Now you’ve got a solid plan this
spring for a healthy heart. “Adopting a holistic approach to your health will provide many more benefits — not only for heart disease but for many other conditions as well,” Brownstein adds. “You have the ability to positively affect your health through your choices.” Let those choices begin today.
©ISTOCK
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