Heart-related diseases have been on a rising trend globally, pushing people towards adopting healthier diets and lifestyles. Not just heart problems, people are also increasingly grappling with issues such as alopcia, obesity, endometriosis, diabetes, slow wound healing, cancer and more. Healthcare experts around the world are promoting preventive care measures. One such tip is from health and lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho, who believes angiogenesis – formation of new blood vessels and controlling them – can play an important role in managing these health issues.

What is angiogenesis and why is it important for heart health?

According to a journal cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), angiogenesis is the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.

Coutinho simplified the understanding regarding the process via an Instagram post.

He wrote, “Our body is a beautiful example of angiogenesis. Right from the time women conceive and deliver, angiogenesis plays an active role in forming the baby. Once the baby is fully formed, the angiogenesis should stop and the blood vessels should stop growing.”

“If that doesn’t happen, blood vessels continue to grow abnormally (over-angiogenesis). This is what forms the basis of cancer, endometriosis, obesity and so on. Similarly, there can be under-angiogenesis where blood vessels can fail to form and supply nutrition and oxygen. (for example, hair fall and alopecia).”

According to Coutinho, angiogenesis, doesn’t always have to be seen in a bad light. Like most things in life, it should be carried out by the body in the right way and at the right time.

“For example, in the case of blockages, where our body’s intelligence finds other ways to keep the circulation going through newly formed blood vessels,” he explained.

How does intelligent angiogenesis help?

Coutinho says it can reduce the risks of;

* Heart disease, attacks or strokes
* Blockages in blood vessels
* Recovery post heart attack or bypass surgery
* Recovery following any heart treatment

Super seed mix to support intelligent angiogenesis and boost heart health

The expert says after researching on angiogenesis and foods that can support it, he has formulated a Super Seed Mix. Come, let us find out how to make it!

Ingredients
1 teaspoon flax seeds
1 teaspoon sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon chia seeds

Steps
1. Combine the seeds. You may eat them every day by soaking, drying, or powdering them. Powder makes absorption easier.
2. Prepare a fresh batch after 5–6 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This seed mix can be used in salads, sprinkled over fruit or consume them as is.

Also read: 5 seeds with the power to boost your immunity that you must eat every morning

These seeds contain a plant lignan SDG that helps stimulate angiogenesis.

A word of caution is to be cautious in case you have a nut or seed allergy. It would be best to consult your doctor!

Apart from that, you should be mindful of caring for your general diet, sleep, mental well-being and activity.