There are many positive choices and lifestyle changes you can make to help try and combat heart disease and improve your heart health. These include cutting back on salt, reducing your intake of saturated and Trans fats, quitting smoking, taking regular aerobic exercise and managing stress levels.
Alongside this there are a range of supplements that are recommended by many health professionals to support heart health. Here are our best supplements for maintaining/improving heart health...
Often fat is perceived to be bad for your heart health, but there are important heart healthy unsaturated fats, these are known as omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids contain EPA, DHA and ALA. The beneficial effects of omega 3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health have been widely studied. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels and increase good cholesterol levels. EPA and DHA are primarily found in marine source food such as oily fish, e.g. mackerel, trout or salmon. For those who find it difficult to consume the recommended 2 portions of oily fish per week in their diet - cod liver oil or krill oil capsules are ideal supplemental sources of omega 3, containing both EPA and DHA. For an alternative vegan-friendly source of omega 3, why not try flaxseed oil capsules.
The heart muscle has high energy demands. Co Enzyme Q10 is said to support cardiovascular health and aid circulation due to the role it plays in energy production. Our bodies make CoQ10 and store it in the mitochondria of the cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cells, where energy is produced. CoQ10 is involved in making ATP which is involved in energy transfer within cells. Another crucial role of CoQ10 is to serve as an antioxidant which helps to protect cells from free radicals and oxidative damage that can affect normal cell functioning and lead to health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. In a study of 420 people with heart failure, treatment with CoQ10 for two years improved their symptoms and reduced their risk of dying from heart problems. The body produces CoQ10 naturally, but as we age our tissue levels of it decline, as does our bodies’ ability to produce it. Therefore it is beneficial to consume it through supplements and foods; Organ meats, fatty fish, soybean, broccoli and peanuts are all good food sources.
Based on the findings of Nobel Prize winning biochemist Linus Pauling, we have formulated our LP5 blend specifically with heart health in mind. Linus Pauling’s therapy for cardiovascular and heart disease was high doses of 2 essential nutrients – Vitamin C, and the amino acid Lysine. Both are vital in smaller amounts, but can be taken safely in high amounts, with neither having a known toxic dosage.
We have combined Vitamin C, along with the amino acids Lysine, Proline and Glycine, which all work in conjunction with the Vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen to promote healthy connective tissue; which includes the veins and arteries for vascular health. As the body’s ability to produce collagen naturally declines as we age we have also combined the formula with additional hydrolysed marine collagen for extra benefit.
Our orange flavoured formula is pleasant to drink and easy to incorporate into your daily diet up to 3 times per day following meals. Each 10g serving (approximately one rounded 15ml scoop) offers 2g of Vitamin C, along with 1g of Lysine, 1g of Proline, 1g of Glycine and 0.75g of Marine Collagen. The addition of Rice Bran in the formula helps with the mixing and flow of the blend to reduce clumping. We have flavoured our formula to make it all the more enjoyable. We have used a natural flavouring system with added mixed tocopherols, maltodextrin and gum Arabic – no artificial sweeteners.
Garlic -
Historically garlic has been widely used for health and medicinal properties. It is known to be an excellent source of antioxidants and is considered beneficial to our heart health. High blood levels of cholesterol are commonly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been found in trials to lower the levels of LDL-Cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
High blood pressure is also a big factor in cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, Garlic supplements have been found in human studies to have a significant impact on lowering the blood pressure levels of people with high blood pressure.
High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Plant sterols (or phytosterols) are compounds found naturally in plant derived foods. They are often added to margarines and other dairy products. Evidence shows they have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels. Beneficial effect is obtained from a daily intake of at least 0.8g. Hellenia 200mg vegan-friendly capsules allow you to conveniently achieve this dosage throughout the day in just 4 capsules.
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