As Baby Boomers age, and the seeming indestructability of youth gives way to the frailties that accumulate with time, there arises a sober realization: Heart health is an actual thing, and it clamors for attention. A fact sheet by the American Heart Assn. paints a startling picture of what can happen with time: For the 40-59-year-old group, 40.0% of men and 34.4% of women have some level or form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). By the time it reaches the 60-79-year-old age group, it rises to 70.2% of men and 70.9% of women.
While most of the heart-health advice centers on what not to eat—reduce saturated fat, limit cholesterol, minimize added sugars and fats, cut down on salt, and don’t overeat—concerned consumers are looking for products that can help shift the odds in their favor. A mere three-in-10 chance of escaping CVD entirely isn’t very comforting.