Don’t Miss a Beat is the theme of this year’s World Heart Day. Celebrated on 29 September every year, it urges people to commit to daily movement to help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s leading cause of death. 

While CVD claims 20.5 million lives annually, accounting for over 33% of global deaths, up to 80% of early heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

As the younger population faces rising lifestyle diseases, doctors have appealed for urgent awareness drives, preventive health camps and wider access to diagnostics. The fight against heart disease begins at home, with every checkup, balanced meal, and lifestyle.

Know the Causes of CVD

Chronic inflammation is a driving force behind heart disease. Smoking and lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are known to cause sub-clinical (not evident) inflammation in the blood vessels and body. Certain oils, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseed oil and walnut oil, and trace components of palm oil (tocopherols, tocotrienols, and carotenoids) have shown anti-inflammatory properties. Including these oils in a balanced diet can help reduce markers of inflammation and lower the risk of heart-related complications.

Studies have shown that regular exercise and modest reductions in blood pressure, especially in individuals with hypertension or metabolic syndrome both risk factors for heart disease, decrease the risk of heart disease.

Choosing Oils for Better Heart Health

Rather than avoiding fats altogether, it is important to identify and consume oils that provide balanced nutrition in terms of energy, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Sources of saturated fatty acids such as desi ghee and coconut oil have been used in our diet for a very long time, and several publications and studies in Ayurveda promote the use of desi ghee in the diet for nutrition and various ailments

Widely used oils like palm oil provide a balanced mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and precursors of vitamin A, which are essential for our body. Other oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. All these oils, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, have shown health benefits in one way or another.