Top Supplements for Enhancing Heart Health
Your heart is one of the most vital organs in your body, and maintaining its health should be a top priority. A healthy lifestyle including exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in keeping your heart in good shape. However, sometimes, these may not be enough, especially as you age. In such cases, supplements can help. Here are top supplements that can enhance heart health.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids required to maintain overall health. They have numerous benefits to enhance heart health, which include regulating cholesterol levels, improving blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and preventing plaque buildup in arteries. Additionally, they reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, arrhythmias, and stroke. You can consume omega-3 fatty acids through foods such as fish, nuts, and flaxseeds or take supplements.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium plays an essential role in various enzymatic reactions in the body. Its benefits to the heart include stabilizing heart rhythm, promoting blood flow, and relaxing blood vessels. Low magnesium levels increase the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, taking magnesium supplements can enhance your heart health.
3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant found naturally in your body. It helps convert food into energy and protects cells from oxidative stress. It also enhances the heart’s ability to withstand damage from free radicals and reduces the risk of developing heart disease. When taken as a supplement, CoQ10 can lower blood pressure, prevent blood clot formation, and decrease the effects of certain medications that harm the heart.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium, and both nutrients work hand in hand to maintain healthy bones. However, it also has several benefits to heart health. This nutrient helps regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, and decrease the risk of heart disease. You can get vitamin D from sunlight exposure or supplements.
5. Fiber Supplements
Fiber plays an essential role in reducing bad cholesterol levels in your body, thus protecting your heart. There are two types of fiber; soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers found in foods such as oats, barley, and legumes trap cholesterol particles and prevent them from entering your bloodstream. On the other hand, insoluble fibers found in whole grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables promote bowel movements and contribute to overall digestive health. Fiber supplements can enhance your daily intake of these valuable substances.
6. Garlic Extract
Garlic contains antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Additionally, it has several benefits to heart health, including lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improving blood pressure, and preventing plaque buildup in arteries. Garlic supplements come in various forms, such as capsules or oils.
7. Green Tea Extract
Green tea has numerous health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants known as catechins. Its benefits to the heart include regulating blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and protecting against the buildup of plaque in arteries. Green tea extract supplements have higher concentrations of catechins than regular green tea, making them more potent in enhancing heart health.
8. Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 works hand in hand with vitamin D and calcium to ensure they are efficiently utilized in the body. It is essential in heart health because it prevents calcium from accumulating in your arteries, thus reducing the risk of arterial calcification. Vitamin K2 deficiency increases the chances of developing coronary heart disease. You can get vitamin K2 from fermented foods such as cheese and natto or take supplements.
9. L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that the body requires to produce nitric oxide, a compound responsible for relaxing blood vessels and promoting blood flow. It also improves exercise performance, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. L-arginine supplements can improve endothelial function, which is vital in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
10. Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound derived from the turmeric root. It has several benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. To enhance heart health, curcumin can regulate cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and prevent blood clot formation. Curcumin supplements are an easy way to obtain this valuable nutrient.
Conclusion
Enhancing heart health through supplements is a convenient and effective way to protect against cardiovascular diseases. Ensure you speak to your healthcare provider before starting on any new supplement regime.