A range of the best natural supplements to provide your
heart with all it needs to remain healthy and reduce your risk of
heart disease.
OMEGA 3 (TG)
Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oils impart a number
of benefits to several body systems, especially the heart. They act
in the cells of the cardiovascular system - predominantly helping
to reduce the risk of arrythmias - irregular heart rhythms, which
can cause sudden death1. They can also lower raised
triglyceride fat level linked to heart disease and slow the growth
of plaques that can narrow or block arteries and result in angina
or heart attack2.
PLANT STEROLS
For the last 50 years it has been known that plant sterols can
lower cholesterol. These natural compounds can be found in the
diet, but normal dietary intake of plant sterols is negligible.
However, elevated intakes of plant sterols have been shown to
significantly reduce total and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in
the blood by up to 15%3, significantly reducing the
risks of coronary heart disease.
CO-ENZYME Q10
A powerful antioxidant, co-enzyme Q10 helps to protect against
the hardening and furring of arteries in atherosclerosis. Trials
show that it can significantly improve arterial dilation and help
to normalize blood ‘stickiness’, reducing the risk of
abnormal clots that could cause heart attacks4. Co-Q10
is essential for the function of ‘energy factories’, or
mitochondria, in the heart and so may improve ventricular
contraction, increasing heart stamina.
GARLIC
Evidence suggests that garlic - which contains the important
sulphur compound, allicin, noted for cardiovascular benefits - may
help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the
blood5. Garlic also inhibits the
‘stickiness’ of platelets in the blood (aggregation)
and increases fibrinolysis that helps to slow coagulation. In a
four year clinical trial involving 50 to 80-year olds with
atherosclerosis, it was found that consumption of a 900mg garlic
supplement reduced arterial plaque formation by up to
18%6.
FLAXSEED OIL
Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - a
member of the omega 3 essential fatty acid family and a precursor
to the essential fatty acid, EPA. Research indicates that EPA
converted from ALA in flaxseed oil is especially helpful in
protecting heart and artery health - helping to lower raised
triglyceride fat levels that may contribute to heart disease.
FOLIC ACID
Folic acid is a B family vitamin that works efficiently to bring
oxygen to the cells without damaging them by producing harmful
‘free radicals’. This is especially important for the
function of cardiac muscle, as it relies on a constant supply of
oxygen for its energy-producing process, aerobic respiration. It
can also help to lower concentrations of homocysteine in the blood,
high levels of which are associated with greater risks of coronary
heart diseaseand stroke. This is a great source of omega 3
essential fatty acid EPA for vegetarians.
1Leaf A. (2005) Circulation
1;112(18):2762-8
2VonSchacky C., et al (1999) Ann. Intern. Med. ;
130:554-562
3Brink et al (2004) Functional food cardiovascular
disease and diabetes. Wood Pub.
Pollack OJ. (1953) Circulation ; 7:702-706
Gylling H., et al (1997) Circulation ; 12:4226-4231
Katan M.B et al (2003) Mayo. Clin. Proc. ; 78(8):965-78
Grundy S.M., (2005) Am. J. Card. ; 96(IA):47D-50D
4Kato T., et al (1990) Int. J. Clin. Pharm. Ther. Toxic.
; 28(3):123-126
5Brewer S. (2002) Encyclopedia of vitamin mineral and
herb supplements.
6Koscienlny J., et al (1999) Athero. ;
144:237-249
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