Don’t leave the worrying about heart health to your parents and grandparents. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) researcher Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D. told Chicago’s Fox News viewers that 20- and 30-year olds need to start thinking about heart health now, while they are still young. Long-term exposure to moderately elevated blood pressure may lead to heart problems a decade or two down the road. Burton-Freeman advised young people to know their family history and their blood pressure numbers. Healthy eating and supplementation may also support heart health. MegaNatural-BP is a clinically researched grape seed extract which helps maintain healthy blood pressure within the normal range.

Results of the 25-year Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study revealed that people whose blood pressure was in the prehypertension range – between 120/80 and 139/89 – while they were still under 30, were more likely to have signs of heart dysfunction when they reached middle age. “It was multi-centered around the country, and 2,500 people were in this analysis,” explained Burton-Freeman.

It’s clear that it is never too early to start thinking about your heart. In addition to understanding your family history and having your blood pressure regularly checked, Burton-Freeman advised eating a diet rich in whole grains, healthy oils, and colorful fruits and vegetables. “And if that doesn’t do the entire job, then there are some supplements that are on the market that may help as well,” she said.

Burton-Freeman is the director of IIT’s Center for Nutrition Research on Chicago’s south side. “We’ve looked at grape seed extract which is a polyphenol-rich extract. We’ve shown blood pressure lowering effects and support of healthy blood pressures,” she said. Burton-Freeman used purified MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract in her work. While other grape seed extracts may have a variable seed source, MegaNatural-BP is a standardized grape seed extract so its benefits are consistent. MegaNatural-BP’s low molecular weight also allows for easier absorption in the body.

Learn more about the MegaNatural difference in this video about its farm-to-finish manufacturing process.