The UK has a growing problem with heart health. Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest causes of death there, accounting for around a quarter of all fatalities.
It refers to a number of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system. These include coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke among others.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Some we can’t control, such as family history of the disease.
However, others are linked to our lifestyle habits, like diet. With this in mind an expert spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about a food that could help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from online pharmacy Chemist Click, recommended adding chia seeds to meals for this reason.
Chia seeds are the edible seeds of a plant native to Mexico. You might see them for sale in health stores and some supermarkets.
According to Abbas, they are a “potent” antioxidant.
“They contain quercetin which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,” he said.
“It helps to reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease.
“Studies have found it to be a potent antioxidant that possesses anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial properties.
“Chia seeds are also an excellent source of fibre, which helps to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol and help with the prevention of heart disease.”
He referenced a study, published in the Food Science and Nutrition journal last year.
“This study found that chia seed components are helpful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing blood pressure, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, and oxidation,” Abbas said.
“It states that chia seeds contain omega‐3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can be used as a functional component aid in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
“It also shows the role chia seeds play against high fatty substances, which can cause arteriosclerosis, increase stroke risk, cardiovascular failure, and coronary illness.”
This research also found the seeds could have anti-cancer properties.
The study concluded: “These components [antioxidants and polyphenols] are protected from the cell damage of the different body parts, which can provide help in different types of cancer including breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic.
“Conclusively, some previous studies approved that chia seed components played an important role in chronic diseases.”
Symptoms of poor heart health
Abbas warned of some signs that indicate you could have heart disease.
He added: “Shortness of breath when moving or when lying down may be a sign that your heart is struggling.
“You may also have chest discomfort, feel tired most of the time and find exercise challenging.
“People can also have bouts of feeling lightheaded or fainting. Indigestion pain or a burning sensation in your stomach or chest could be due to a heart problem too.”
If you are concerned about your heart health you should speak to your GP.