The Desi Fitness Forum - Rejuvenate yourself!

Indian community have much higher levels of a deadly genetic factor called lipoprotein A, or LP(a), than other ethnic groups which causes clogged arteries that leads to heart attack. Excess LDL (Low density Lipoproteins) cholesterol falls along the arterial wayside and creates havoc, an accomplice to LDL is a fat called triglyceride obtained from foods like butter, and present in blood to provide instant energy. Indians are bombarded with high levels of LDL, low levels of HDL, high TGs and insensitivity to insulin (a cause of diabetes), to compound their susceptibility to hypertension and "central" obesity.

Solutions:
A significant rise in heart disease among Indians can be attributed to inappropriate dietary habits and lack of physical exercise. The only solution to this would be to tweak our existing lifestyles a little .Studies have proven that ancient methods like yoga can reverse arterial blocks and daily walks help control coronary artery disease by increasing HDL , the good cholesterol and lowering TG, Experts say ,"early detection helps save lives too every Indian male over 28 and females over 35 should be tested". Watch your waist line , consistent aerobic exercises and weight training regime added into your cardio program proves beneficial too .

This is a very informative article Ashutosh , thanks for sharing .I ponder sometimes Can we Indians afford not to exercise ? Can we at all risk it?

Thanks very much. I think all Indians should start taking care of their health, exercise daily and be fit.

I always knew this. Ever since we grow up we are given all the carbohydrates and fried foods. We eat lots of rice and potatoes and fried stuff like papad. Yeh sab khane se heart attack nahin aayega to kya aayega

You are absolutely right, we should stop eating and feeding our children all those carbs and fried stuff and switch to fresh fruits, veggies, salads and healthy nuts instead.

Also vegetarians in India should start taking more proteins like soy, whey etc.

Yes, proteins like soya beans are very hepful in getting a healthy diet and living a healthy life. I usually take Nutrella branded soya beans.

I like the Nutrella soya flakes instead of the cubes (chunks). Its a nice substitute for vegetables and also full of protein.

My wife and I have been trying to raise our children to eat healthier than we did growing up. A sweet treat for them is fresh fruit which we keep in our house in abundance. I think if we can raise them eating this way and take them with us when we exercise, they will tend to do more of the healthy activities when they are grown.

From the sounds of it, the lipoprotein A is something we are genetically predisposed to, not something that our diet throws at us. So it sounds like we just got bad luck when it came to being handed out our set of genes

everyone has their own problems. people in north america are more prone to cancer, Asians are prone to heart diseases. i think all we can do is lead a healthy life with healthy diet and exercise and hope for the best

Its all about eating the right things and keeping yourself flexed thru exercises, sports and flexibility routines. I dont believe much in genetics.

Actually genetics does play a role but you're right - exercise and diet can go a long way in preventing these dreaded diseases.

I think now things are changing in India - people are beginning to eat more fresh fruits and veggies and less of fried and fatty foods - what do you think