Essential Vitamins and Supplements for Heart Health
Heart health has become an issue of the highest importance and serious concern all over the world. These figures are not good for the United States also. According to the data, out of every 100,000 people in the world, 219.4 are suffering from cardiovascular (CVD) disease, and that’s not it. In the United States, every 37 seconds, a person dies of CVD; this means there are 2353 deaths daily credited to CVD. Moreover, 401 people die every day in the United States due to stroke. In most cases, people do not take enough vitamins and supplements to maintain a good heart health.
The stats mentioned above are alarming, and this is a matter of grave importance. Heart diseases have been on the rise, and this is even more frightening. People are very concerned about their heart health, and they try to adopt those practices which are heart-healthy. They use organic methods, supplements, and vitamins for heart health to “keep the heart pumping.”
However, this uncertainty and “fear” have forced people to believe in things that look suspicious and questionable. For example, some supplement manufacturers claim that their supplements can help you in avoiding major heart problems. Moreover, people also use vitamins to improve their heart health. But the question is, do these vitamin or mineral supplements really help our cause or not?
If you have the same doubts in your mind, this article has answers to most of your questions. Moreover, you will learn about some of the best vitamins and supplements for heart health.
Minerals and Vitamins
Minerals and vitamins are very important for your heart health. If you can take appropriate proportions of vitamins and minerals, you can keep your heart healthy. However, one must keep in mind that these vitamins or vitamin supplements work better when you consume them while keeping a healthy lifestyle. People often complain that these supplements do not work as described. But in reality, they fail to keep a healthy lifestyle.
Heart health supplements cannot cover up for unhealthy habits. However, if you keep other things in check, then these heart health supplements can be very effective. If you cannot afford fruits, vegetables, and other food items that contain these minerals or vitamins, these supplements are a “one stop shop” for you. Here are some of those vitamins which are helpful in your heart health:
- Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)
Fiber
The most suitable and effective way to intake fiber is food. However, if due to any reason, you cannot have a fiber-rich food, then using fiber supplements can be another option. Choose a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers to get maximum results. Moreover, keep yourself hydrated while you use fiber supplements. There are several types of fibers that offer different health benefits. For example, Psyllium fiber helps in lowering cholesterol and thus reduces the chances of heart problems.
Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10)
This substance is very similar to the vitamins. The importance of this substance can be explained by the fact that this substance is found in every cell of the human body. Our body makes this Coenzyme Q10, and our body cells use it to generate energy. It also works as an antioxidant protecting our body from several harmful molecules.
Naturally, Coenzyme Q10 is found in small proportions in different foods, and it is virtually impossible to consume every single food item. Coenzymes provide protection to enzymes to keep the skeletal muscles and heart, healthy and protected. Moreover, Coenzyme Q10 can be handy in reducing the chances of heart failure.
L-Carnitine
It is an amino acid that is a source of transportation of fats into the mitochondria (the portion in the body cells where energy is produced from fats). Our heart needs an essential amount of energy to function properly. Studies claim that usage of L-Carnitine has proved to be handy in improving heart functioning, and it has positive effects on reducing the chances of angina. Moreover, it is also effective in reducing the chances or effects of congestive heart failure.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a very important substance for the human body. Low levels of magnesium in the human body is an indicator of several heart conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, hardened arteries, etc.
There are several magnesium supplements that often come in combination with minerals. A common example includes magnesium gluconate, magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt), magnesium citrate, and magnesium hydroxide. However, if someone has kidney problems, he/she must consult a doctor before using these supplements.
What Should You Avoid For Better Heart Health?
Heart health supplements are not effective if you do not follow a healthy lifestyle which includes, a healthy diet plan, avoiding stress, regular physical workout, quitting habits like smoking and drinking, etc.
Also, heart health supplements can be helpful in reducing the chances of heart problems and improve your heart health, but they cannot be used as a direct source to avoid heart problems. Moreover, excessive use of meat, milk, and eggs can increase the ratio of choline. Excessive choline can cause blood clotting and thus building a case for heart attack.
Sources: 1) peacehealth 2) nm
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