James Martin, 48, is a chef and television presenter and is best known for his television work with the BBC and ITV. Working nonstop to get to where he is has provided him much success however health risks have been apparent for the TV star too. As with most people, excessive working could lead to a number of health complications.
James appeared on Lose Woman to discuss his absenteeism from the show and how he needed to take a different stance regarding work.
He said: “Work was fundamental. But I was doing a gig abroad and I was chatting to a gentleman same age as me, similar work ethic.
“He went out on stage literally five minutes after I spoke to him to do an awards ceremony and he died before he hit the floor.”
The TV chef realised he needed to take a break not only mentally but physically too as the gentleman in question had in fact died from a heart attack.
James admitted at the time that he was a serial workaholic, the sobering episode caused him to “readdress the balance” in his life and take a break from TV to return back to his restaurant.
READ MORE: High blood pressure: The 42p fruit that may lower reading and reduce risk of heart disease
The heart attack risk in high wage workers who worked long hours was similar to that of high wage workers who had normal work hours, noted Health Harvard.
The health site continued: “Stroke risk was higher in all those who worked long hours, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“The reasons why overwork and cardiovascular risk are linked are not entirely clear.
“Hormonal factors, such as elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, may be involved.
“Overwork and work stress are also associated with many cardiac risk factors.
“Those who work long hours tend to have unhealthy lifestyles, with less exercise, worse diets, and higher consumption of alcohol and tobacco.”
A heart-healthy diet plays a pivotal role in keeping your heart healthy.
The diet that comes on top is the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
There is a mountain of evidence that attests to the diet’s heart-healthy benefits but one of the most notable findings is that nearly halves your risk of heart disease, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 64th Annual Scientific Session.
The study found that adults who closely followed the Mediterranean diet were 47 percent less likely to develop heart disease over a 10-year period compared to similar adults who did not closely follow the diet.