Your heart is the organ that’s responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body so you can live, breathe and function. Keeping your heart healthy is important for longevity. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death throughout the world. Whether you have a family history of heart problems or you just want to make sure you keep your heart in good condition for as long as possible, here are the top supplements known to support a healthy heart.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (also commonly known as CoQ10), is a nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and is found naturally in the body. It helps generate energy within the cells of your body and is a very important nutrient for heart health. As you age, levels of this important nutrient naturally decline. CoQ10 is often taken to reduce symptoms of health conditions that directly affect the heart.
CoQ10 can be found naturally in a variety of food sources, including whole grains, oily fish, nuts, organ meats and eggs. It can also be taken in supplement form to help boost heart health.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that helps the body create energy from fat. It’s found in almost all of the body’s cells and has been linked in studies to heart health. Low levels of L-carnitine in the body may contribute to reduced heart function.
This important amino acid can be found in animal products such as fish, milk, meat and poultry. It is also contained in avocado and beans. If you are unable to get sufficient L-carnitine from these sources, you may choose to take an L-carnitine supplement.
Multivitamins
A good multivitamin supplement can go a long way toward protecting heart health. Vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal heart function. Research shows that when taken in appropriate doses, multivitamin and mineral supplements may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, they can boost your overall health so you can enjoy a higher quality of life.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found naturally in plant and fish oils. The human body can’t create omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so it’s important to get them from outside sources. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health because they lower “bad” cholesterol while increasing “good” cholesterol. They may also play a role in decreasing platelet aggregation (which can prevent decreased blood flow to the heart).
If you’re looking for natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, you can find them in nuts and seeds, plant oils and seafood (specifically cold-water fatty fish). You can also add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet by taking supplements.
Diet and Exercise
In addition to taking heart-healthy supplements as needed, it’s also essential to eat a balanced diet full of healthy, colorful whole foods. All the supplements in the world are likely insufficient to boost heart health if you eat a very poor diet. It’s also important to exercise your body if you want to strengthen your cardiovascular system.
Newport Medical and Wellness Center offers helpful exercise and diet programs that are completely customized to each client’s needs. These programs can help provide the exercise and nutrition your heart needs to remain strong and healthy.
