Often we rely on our hearts or brains to “influence” our decisions, but have you ever considered how interconnected they really are? Heart diseaseand strokes are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming 17.9 million lives annually. By modifying your lifestyle, eating well, and incorporating a light form of exercise, you can prevent 80% of heart disease and strokes. Adopting healthy behaviors is key to reducing risk.

An adequate intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and strokes. These fatty acids are essential for survival and cannot produce on their own. Consumers should incorporate healthy foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids into their diets, such as Lucky Star canned fish products, endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation  South Africa (HSFSA).

Prof. Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the HSFSA, promotes healthy lifestyles to reduce the onset of  cardiovascular diseases [CVDs], namely heart disease and strokes. “Our bodies benefit from including more omega-3-rich fatty fish in our diets by enhancing memory and brain function, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, strengthening bones, and reducing pain and stiffness.”

Rapula Pitsoe, Lucky Star Senior Brand Manager, shares an added benefit: “Omega-3 fatty acids help balance emotions and reduce stress by stimulating the production of serotonin, which can also prevent strokes.”

According to statistics by HSFSA, at least 80% of premature deaths caused by CVD could be prevented through risk reduction. There is a 14% death rate as a result of CVDs in South Africa between the ages of 30 and 70. Fortunately, you can avoid becoming a statistic by keeping a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and checking your blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and body mass index.

Keeping strokes at bay

Statistics from the World Stroke Organisation show that one in four people will suffer a stroke, but almost all strokes can be prevented. In addition to controlling hypertension, diet, smoking, and exercise, we can prevent up to 90% of strokes. A massive reduction in stroke is also possible through preventive action, which contributes to global goals to reduce CVD, cancer, diabetes, and other significant causes of death.

When part of the brain isn't getting enough blood, a stroke occurs. Brain cells can die or be damaged without blood. Short and long-term effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected and how quickly it is treated. Survivors of strokes may encounter a variety of disabilities, such as difficulty with mobility, speech, and cognition.

The best way to prevent a stroke is to keep your blood pressure under control, adopt light form of exercise to your schedule for at least three to five times a week (or 150 minutes a week), eat well, reduce alcohol intake, and quit smoking.

A look at omega-3 fatty acids' role in human health

A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system. According to studies, Omega-3 fatty acids may help to lower blood pressure, reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke, lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease, slow the development of plaque in the arteries, and reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm. Thus, people of any age should adopt healthy diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as Lucky Star canned fish products, and exercise to reduce the risk of CVDs and strokes. When you look after your heart health, you are inadvertently looking after your brain health too.