Geoff supports his heart health
WHEN Geoff Fielding, 75, was looking for a way to support his heart health, he never thought that an ingredient found in the skin of the humble tomato could be the answer.
Geoff (right) has always lived an active life, but as he got older he became very aware of the need to look after his body properly.
‘ I worked as an agricultural consultant, so I was always out and about in the countryside, and since I retired I’ve been very active,’ he explains.
‘Until last year I was chairman of the parish council for my village in the Malvern Hills and also the footpath officer, so every day I went out walking for four or five miles, looking after 35 to 40 miles of public rights of way.
‘I also love fell walking in the Lake District with my friends.
‘I’ve climbed on all of the hundreds of fells in Wainwright’s eight books. Most months I’m either walking in the village with my dog or climbing with my pals.’
Despite all this exercise and fresh air, Geoff was still concerned because members of his close family suffered from poor health as they got older, including his uncle, mother and father.
‘It’s basically because of my family history. My parents lived to a great age but had certain health traits that are bound to come through. I try and look after my cardiovascular health, as my father had a mild heart condition — my wife and I nursed him for ten years.
‘That was my motivation. It’s prompted me to keep going and do everything I can to make sure I don’t become an old man with health problems.’
So when Geoff came across a one-a-day capsule created to help maintain healthy heart function by scientific supplement company based in Cambridge, he immediately began taking it.
‘About six years ago a friend of mine interested me in these tomato pills and I’ve used them ever since,’ he says.
The supplement has been subject to £12million worth of research at leading institutions around the world, including Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke’s). It contains LactoLycopene, a uniquely bioavailable lycopene formulation, combined with thiamin and selenium to support a healthy heart.
Lycopene is a compound found in the skin of tomatoes which is credited with many of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
Six years on, Geoff is still taking the supplement and he’s still as active as ever.
‘I haven’t gone down with any heart problems yet.
‘I’m loath to stop something I feel is doing me good and helping me to maintain my wellbeing in my retirement years. And no, I haven’t slowed down at all!’