Common Misconceptions in Heart Health: Claims of Miraculous Foods
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar Özmen emphasized that beliefs claiming products like vinegar water and garlic extract clear clogged arteries are not scientific.
Making statements regarding cardiovascular health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar Özmen stated that claims suggesting products such as vinegar water, garlic extract, lemon water, honey, molasses, and black cumin clear clogged arteries or lower cholesterol are not scientific.
Natural Products Do Not Replace Medications
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağlar Özmen, a faculty member at Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Balcalı Hospital Cardiology Department, stated that the idea of products like vinegar water and lemon water cleaning blood vessels has no scientific basis. It was emphasized that such products do not open blockages in coronary arteries and do not replace medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar.
Excessive Consumption of Honey and Molasses
Honey and molasses, consumed in large quantities under the assumption that they are healthy, became the subject of expert warnings. It was stated that excessive consumption of these products, especially by individuals with diabetes and weight problems under the belief that they will clear arteries, can lead to adverse results. The excessive consumption of these foods containing high amounts of sugar can contribute to weight gain.
Facts About the Effects of Black Cumin
In recent years, claims that black cumin lowers cholesterol and resolves clogged arteries have become widespread. However, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özmen stated that this approach, claiming black cumin eliminates cholesterol buildups on the artery wall, is not correct. It was emphasized that the term 'natural' can create a false sense of security in consumers.
Chronic Diseases and the Danger of Stopping Medication
One of the points the expert particularly drew attention to was people with chronic diseases stopping the medications prescribed by their doctors. It was stated that if treatment is disrupted for a long time, uncontrolled blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase cardiovascular risks, leading to severe conditions such as blood clots to the brain and cerebral hemorrhages.
Holistic Lifestyle for Heart Health
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özmen, to protect heart health, instead of relying on a single food or mixture, it is necessary to adopt a holistic lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, and the regular implementation of the treatment recommended by the doctor are among the fundamental parts of cardiovascular health.