What exactly is blood?
Blood is essential for our body. Without blood we cannot live! This important red fluid fulfils many functions in our body and consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Just under half of our blood consists of red and white blood cells and the other half consists of plasma, which mainly consists of water and has an important transport function. The blood cells and platelets are located in the plasma, together with nutrients, hormones and oxygen. Transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs is probably the most important function of blood. In addition, blood also ensures that tissues and organs are supplied with nutrients. Blood also transports waste products, which can then leave the body via the intestines or bladder. Finally, blood also plays an important role in our defense against pathogens.
The functioning of the heart
The heart is a powerful muscle the size of a fist that lies slightly to the left of the middle of your chest. The main function of the heart is to pump blood around the body. On average, the heart pumps around 7,000 liters per day, that's a tanker full! The large blood circulation starts at the left atrium where oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs into the heart. This is then pumped around the body by the left ventricle. The small blood circulation then runs via the right atrium. This is where the oxygen-poor blood from the body flows back into the heart. The right ventricle pumps this blood to the lungs, where the blood releases carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen. This oxygen-rich blood then flows back to the heart through the pulmonary veins. On the outside of the heart muscle run very small blood vessels, called coronary arteries. They supply blood to the heart, so that the heart muscle itself also receives sufficient oxygen and nutrition.
Heart for your heart
Many people are aware of the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system. They therefore try to give the heart and blood vessels a helping hand through natural support. First of all, it is important to eat healthy and varied. For example, the heart and blood vessels benefit from omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. In this way, they contribute to the maintenance of a normal fat content in the blood, they are beneficial for blood pressure and they have a positive contribution to the normal functioning of the heart. Furthermore, vitamin K supports blood clotting and walnuts are also good for the blood vessels, as are foods rich in vitamin C. After all, vitamin C is known to contribute to the formation of collagen, which is important for maintaining a strong vascular wall. When these types of ingredients are involved, you can also support the heart and blood vessels "with a clear conscience" with high-quality supplements!
