Focus on men's health: strengthening the cardiovascular system naturally with aronia, coenzyme Q10 and garlic
May is traditionally a month that focuses on men's health. A central theme here is taking care of our tireless engine - the heart. Men in particular should pay special attention to this vital organ. Unfortunately, cardiovascular diseases often top the list of health problems, especially among men. A healthy lifestyle is the be-all and end-all, but nature has powerful support in store. Find out how the power berry aronia, the cell energy miracle coenzyme Q10 with its impressive effect and the proven garlic extract can naturally support your cardiovascular system.
Function of the cardiovascular system: how our engine runs
Before we turn our attention to the natural helpers, it is worth taking a brief look at the fascinating cardiovascular system. It works like a sophisticated transportation system. The heart is the central pump that tirelessly sends blood through an extensive network of vessels throughout the entire body. Its job is to supply every organ and every cell with vital oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
The heart consists of four chambers: the right atrium and the right ventricle as well as the left atrium and the left ventricle. Oxygen-depleted blood from the body collects in the right atrium, flows into the right ventricle and is pumped from there into the lungs. There, carbon dioxide is released and fresh oxygen is absorbed. The now oxygen-rich blood enters the left atrium, continues into the left ventricle and from there is pumped back into the systemic circulation.
Regular endurance training such as running, swimming or cycling keeps the heart fit and the blood vessels elastic - an important contribution to the health of the entire cardiovascular system.
Men's health tips: Keeping an eye on the heart
Men's health means more than just staying away from illness. It encompasses a holistic view of men's specific health needs and risks, both physical and mental. Initiatives such as the Men's Health Foundation [1] provide valuable educational work in this area.
A central aspect of men's health is the cardiovascular system. Studies show that Men often suffer cardiovascular disease earlier and more frequently than women. In addition to the heart, issues such as prostate health are also relevant, but heart health often comes first. Risk factors such as smoking, an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels play a key role. However, every man can actively do something for his health. [2]
Effect of aronia berries: Powerhouse for men
This is where the aronia berry, also known as black chokeberry or botanically Aronia melanocarpa, comes into play. Due to its impressive nutrient profile, it is often referred to as a domestic powerhouse - and rightly so.
Aronia is not to be confused with the acai berry, even though both are rich in antioxidants. Aronia berries contain particularly high concentrations of certain plant substances such as anthocyanins, which are responsible for their deep dark color.
Their strengths lie above all in [3]:
- Strong antioxidant effect: Polyphenols in chokeberries have a targeted effect against free radicals that damage cells and contribute to ageing. This protection is particularly important for the vessels of the cardiovascular system.
- Support for the heart and blood vessels: Aronia can contribute to the elasticity of blood vessels, promote blood circulation and support healthy blood pressure.
- Strengthening the immune system: The high content of vitamin C and secondary plant substances promotes the body's own defenses.
- Liver support: Antioxidant properties could also have a positive effect on liver function.
Aronia can be eaten raw, but is very tart. Processed forms such as juice, powder or capsules are therefore popular.
The usual daily dose for juice is around 50 to 100 ml. If you have a sensitive stomach, you should pay attention to your tolerance. If you have a known iron deficiency, it is advisable to take it after eating iron-rich foods.
What is coenzyme Q10? The cell's energy supplier
Coenzyme Q10 is another crucial building block for an efficient heart. This vitamin-like substance is found in almost every cell in the human body. It plays a central role in the mitochondria - the “power plants” of our cells - and is essential for energy production (ATP).
The heart has a particularly high energy requirement, which is why the natural Q10 concentrations are highest there.
Another valuable content of many preparations containing Q10 is the combination with vitamin E and B vitamins. While coenzyme Q10 - also known as ubiquinone-10 - promotes energy production in the cells, vitamin E supports the protection of cell membranes against oxidative stress, for example caused by UV radiation. The B vitamins in turn contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of fatigue - an interaction that is particularly important for the cardiovascular system. Even small amounts of these micronutrients can have a great effect on the human organism if they are taken regularly and in high quality.
Benefits of coenzyme Q10: energy and cell protection for the heart [4][5]
- Energy for the heart muscle: Q10 supports the energy supply of the heart muscle cells and can thus promote pumping performance.
- Antioxidant cell protection: As a fat-soluble antioxidant, it protects cell membranes and blood lipids such as LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage.
- Healthy blood pressure: Studies suggest that Q10 can help stabilize blood pressure.
- Anti-ageing effect: With increasing age, the body's own Q10 production decreases. Supplementation can improve cell energy and slow down ageing processes.
A lack of Q10 can make itself felt through tiredness, reduced performance, muscle pain or susceptibility to infections. Causes include age and certain medications such as statins. In such cases, targeted supplementation can be useful. Q10 should be taken with a little fat, as it is fat-soluble.
Garlic: tried and tested support
Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to strengthen the heart. Today, science confirms many of these positive effects.
Garlic extracts can help regulate blood pressure and have a positive effect on blood lipid levels. Active ingredients such as allicin have an antioxidant effect, support vascular function and improve the flow properties of the blood. As a capsule or concentrated extract, garlic is now an integral part of holistic heart care [6][7].
The trio for your heart: stronger together
The combination makes all the difference: chokeberry, coenzyme Q10 and garlic complement each other perfectly. While aronia provides antioxidant protection for the blood vessels, Q10 provides energy for the heart and garlic has a blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering effect.
But as effective as these natural helpers are: They are no substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing stress and giving up smoking remain the basis for male vitality and, of course, for every man.
Your heart, your health: act now
Men's health is an issue of the present. Your heart works for you every day - give it the attention it deserves. Natural helpers such as aronia, coenzyme Q10 and garlic can make a valuable contribution to heart care.
Take your health into your own hands. A combination of targeted nutrition, natural supplements and expert guidance from doctors or therapists can be the key to a healthy, vital life. Your heart will thank you for it.
Sources:
[1] https://www.stiftung-maennergesundheit.de
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC2995494
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC9405024
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC9776655
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC6627360
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC139960
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC139960