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| - Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating peepal leaves cures heart blockages. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False. The available evidence shows that peepal leaves may prevent heart blockages but they cannot cure existing blockages.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims peepal leaves strengthen the cardiovascular system and cure heart blockages.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
Social media posts frequently claim to cure heart blockages through quick remedies. In a previous fact-check, we debunked the notion that eating ginger removes heart blockages. Another fact-check suggests that onions can unclog arteries. However, it is important to approach claims about curing serious medical conditions, such as heart blockages, with caution.
Fact Check
Why does heart blockage occur?
Heart blockage, or coronary artery disease (CAD), results from the gradual buildup of plaque (composed of cholesterol, fat, and other substances) on the inner walls of coronary arteries. Contributing factors include atherosclerosis, risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history, inflammation, and blood clots. Unhealthy lifestyle choices also play a role. Managing these factors through a healthy lifestyle and medical intervention is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of heart blockage.
One of the posts claims that more than 28 per cent of deaths in India are due to heart disease.
What is the treatment for heart blockages?
Heart blockages are treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures. Lifestyle modifications include a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation. Medications like statins, antiplatelet drugs, and blood pressure medications may be necessary. Medical procedures include angioplasty with stent placement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), atherectomy, and thrombolytic therapy. Cardiac rehabilitation programs and ongoing medical management are crucial for long-term care. Treatment decisions are based on factors like the severity of blockages and individual health considerations. Working closely with healthcare professionals ensures a personalized and effective treatment plan.
Can diet treat heart blockages?
Not exactly. Diet alone cannot fully treat heart blockages. However, adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial for managing and preventing the further progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This involves limiting saturated and trans fats, consuming omega-3 fatty acids, incorporating fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, opting for lean proteins, reducing sodium intake, and moderating alcohol consumption. A heart-healthy diet, along with lifestyle changes and medical interventions, contributes to overall heart health. Individuals with existing heart blockages should collaborate with an experienced healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Dr Amit Bhushan Sharma, Associate Director and Unit Head of Cardiology at Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, informs that “When plaques build up inside a person’s arteries, they can become clogged, leading to restricted blood flow. While individual foods cannot remove plaque from the arteries, a healthy diet can help manage and prevent heart disease”.
Can eating peepal leaves cure heart blockages?
Not exactly. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating peepal leaves can cure heart blockages. However, scant evidence shows that have specifically investigated the effects of peepal leaves on heart blockages.
A study shows that an extract of peepal leaves was able to reduce cholesterol levels in rats. Another study shows that peepal can counter the atherothrombotic effect. Atherothrombotic diseases typically involve the formation of blood clots in arteries with underlying atherosclerosis. However, this evidence is not enough to confirm that eating peepal leaves cures heart blockages. Also, even if peepal leaves are good against heart blockages, we have no information on their dosage.
In a claim it was mentioned that leaves of a Peepal (Ashwattha) tree can be kept in a bottled and smelled. This will help in increasing Oxygen saturation in the body.
As per the available evidence, peepal leaves have been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves contain compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activity, anthelmintic activity, immunomodulatory activity, wound-healing activity, anticonvulsant activity, hypolipidemic activity, and hypoglycemic properties. So eating peepal leaves may be beneficial for heart health.
Dr Debasish Mohapatra, Associate Consultant at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata informs, “Ficus religiosa (peepal tree) is a rich source of nutrients as well as phytochemicals. Richness in vital components make it a wholesome tree with several medicinal and health properties. There is no current scientific evidence to support the claim that peepal leaves cure heart blockage. While traditional medicine systems may advocate the use of various herbs and plants for health purposes, it is crucial to rely on scientifically proven treatments for serious medical conditions like heart blockage. Consulting a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options is recommended”.
What is the treatment for heart blockages?
The current treatment for heart blockages involves lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, along with medications like antiplatelet agents, statins, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers to manage risk factors and symptoms. Invasive procedures like angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may be necessary to address severe blockages. Treatment choices depend on factors like blockage severity and patient health.
As per our research, traditional medicine is not always based on scientific evidence. Moreover, the benefits of peepal leaves for heart health are unclear. We need more research/trials to determine whether peepal leaves can actually cure heart blockages. Relying solely on quick fixes and not seeking proper treatment can worsen heart blockages which can induce heart attack or even stroke. Dr Sharma, adds, “Brain strokes, heart strokes, angina, and peripheral artery disease can be caused by blocked arteries. When a particle of plaque breaks off and becomes lodged in the bloodstream, blood flow is reduced, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.”
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