Prevent blood clots that cause stroke and angina by eating this

Cardiovascular diseases, which include stroke and myocardial infarction, are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two-thirds of global deaths are caused by cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, from 2011 to 2021, the incidence of myocardial infarction increased by 54.5%, and stroke by approximately 9.5% (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency statistics). This article explores the causes of cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle habits that help prevent them.

◇ The main causes of cardiovascular diseases include blood clots that narrow or block the arteries leading to the heart or brain, resulting in conditions such as myocardial infarction, angina, and stroke, which are collectively called cardiovascular diseases. If not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately, cardiovascular diseases can be fatal. Even if survival is achieved, delayed treatment can lead to more severe disabilities, making early detection extremely important.

The main cause of cardiovascular diseases is blood clots. Blood clots that obstruct blood flow inside the vessels can, if left untreated, lead to myocardial infarction and stroke, which have the highest mortality rates among cardiovascular diseases. ▲ Excessive fat intake ▲ Lack of exercise ▲ Smoking are known to contribute to the formation of blood clots.

To prevent cardiovascular disease, it is necessary to reduce sitting time. Prolonged sitting habits hinder blood circulation and impair the function of blood vessels in both the upper and lower body. Even if sitting time is long, engaging in physical activity can sufficiently prevent the decline in vascular function. In fact, a study by Yonsei University College of Medicine found that groups engaging in moderate or higher physical activity more than 2-3 days a week had a 50% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to groups that did not engage in any physical activity at all.

Posture while sitting is also important. It is better to avoid the habit of sitting with your legs crossed in a traditional Korean style. Sitting with your legs crossed restricts blood flow in the legs. However, suddenly stretching your legs causes the suppressed blood to flow, generating reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species produce enough energy for the mitochondria that generate energy, and excess oxygen can accumulate, attacking cells and accelerating aging.

Taking small steps in place from time to time is also helpful. A research team from Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Sports Science compared and analyzed vascular function between a group that remained seated from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a group that stood up and walked in place for four minutes every hour. As a result, it was confirmed that the group that walked in place responded better to blood flow changes in their blood vessels.

The sticky viscosity of natto helps prevent blood clot formation, so eating foods that prevent blood clots is also a good method. One of the world's top five health foods, natto, is a prime example. The nattokinase component in the sticky, viscous substance of natto prevents blood clot formation and also breaks down existing clots. Natto also activates pro-urokinase, the precursor to another blood clot-dissolving enzyme called urokinase, and decomposes PAI-1, a substance that inhibits clot dissolution and makes it difficult for clots to dissolve.

The thinner and more sticky the mucus in natto, the better. If the mucus easily breaks apart when scooped with a spoon, it is likely less fermented. It is recommended to serve natto in a bowl and stir it several times with chopsticks to generate more mucus before eating.

Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, saury, and salmon helps prevent inflammation within blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clot formation. It also aids in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, which help prevent vascular inflammation. Including omega-3 rich fish in your diet at least twice a week is recommended.

<Source: Health Chosun>