Heart Health Vitamin Supplements
The HeartThe heart is a fist-sized organ which lies in the centre of the chest. The right and left sides of the heart each have an upper chamber (atrium), which collects blood, and a lower chamber (ventricle), which ejects blood. To ensure that blood flows in only one direction, each ventricle has an inlet and outlet valve.
How The Heart Works
The heart pumps blood through the body. Oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium of the heart (via veins called the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava). The blood then flows into the right ventricle and through the pulmonary artery to the lungs, where the blood is enriched with oxygen (and loses carbon dioxide). The oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood is carried back to the left atrium of the heart via the pulmonary veins. The blood then flows into the left ventricle, and is then pumped through the aorta to the rest of the body.
A healthy heart can provide you and your body with many benefits as follows:
• By acquiring the habit of doing physical exercise everyday you can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and coronary heart attack. These exercises do not have to be intensive are done for a long period. As little as 15 minutes a day of exercise that makes you breathless will greatly improve the health of the heart.
• A heart that is healthy and strong will enable the body to function more effectively. This will enable the body to take on more strenuous activities and the common daily tasks are done with efficiency and comfort.
• A trained and healthy heart works more efficiently than one that is out of condition. This means the it beats at a lower rate when the body is resting. Over time this means the heart works less and does not wear out.
• The great thing about your heart is that it has the ability to heal and repair itself. For example, if it has already been damaged by heart disease it can be repaired through the proper healing processes and activities.
The heart becomes affected when there is a slow down of blood flow in our body. When there is a great deal of cellular garbage or waste in the blood as seen by our urine, this will affect our heart. Inflammation is a way for our body to protect itself from further harm. In order to shut down the inflammation response, work on getting rid of the cellular waste that can burden the heart.
What is this cellular waste made up of?
It is made up of undigested proteins. These undigested proteins if not excreted from the blood through the kidneys, these will eventually cause an inflammation response to happen. This protein will also make our blood sticky, which over works our heart. This will make the blood pressure increase.
Eating a diet of mostly cooked food, makes complete digestion almost impossible to take place. [enzymes are destroyed in the cooking process above 112 to 120 degress]. Taking enzymes will slow the inflammation response because of these undigestion proteins in the blood. Taking enzymes between meals for not only complete digestion but healing of the arteries to take place. Enzymes will break down these sticky proteins which can cause inflammation of the arteries. We all need a healthy circulatory system which sends oxygen rich blood through all of the blood and tissue of the body. We now begin to see just how important circulatory system is to good health.
Tips for heart healthy eating
Eating a diet of mostly cooked food, makes complete digestion almost impossible to take place. [enzymes are destroyed in the cooking process above 112 to 120 degress]. Taking enzymes will slow the inflammation response because of these undigestion proteins in the blood. Taking enzymes between meals for not only complete digestion but healing of the arteries to take place. Enzymes will break down these sticky proteins which can cause inflammation of the arteries. We all need a healthy circulatory system which sends oxygen rich blood through all of the blood and tissue of the body. We now begin to see just how important circulatory system is to good health.
Tips for heart healthy eating
•Eat a diet low in saturated fat.
•Eat foods higher in monounsaturated fats. Seafood is a good example.
•Cook with oil higher in monosaturated fats, like Olive oil.
•Eat foods containing polyunsaturated fats. Seafood is a good example here also.
•Eat lots of whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables.
•Eat foods with salt and sodium in moderation. Try to take in less than 3 grams daily.
•Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
About Heart Health Dietary Supplements
Most healthcare professionals and organizations do not recommend substituting good nutrition with supplements. In spite of their claims, they are not the “cure all” and they can not make up for a poor diet. Having said that, there are benefits to taking a multi-vitamin and some supplements to round out a healthy intake of necessary vitamins and minerals you may lack in your diet.
Heart healthy eating includes getting all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. Taking a multivitamin daily may actually be heart healthy. A daily multivitamin can reduce your risk of having a first heart attack.” When you decide to take a daily multivitamin or mineral, make sure it does not contain more than 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for any nutrient. Be very careful with herbal supplements, as many of these can interfere with prescribed medications.
Here’s a list of some of the most common herbal supplements:
•Astragalus (used for immune system health)
•Black Cohash (used for PMS symptoms)
•Chamomile (used as anti-inflammatory and sedative)
•Dong Quail (used to relieve menopause and PMS symptoms)
•Echinacea (used to treat colds and flu)
•Evening Primrose (used to lower cholesterol and arthritis inflammation)
•Feverfew (used for migraine headaches)
•Flax Seed (used for immune system health and provide fiber in diets)
•Garlic (used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol)
•Ginger (used to relieve motion sickness and sometimes as anticoagulant blood thinning)
•Ginko (used to improve memory)
•Ginseng (used to regulate blood sugar levels)
•Goldenseal (used to decrease mucosal inflammation in colds and allergies)
•Gotu Kola (used to improve memory and mental fatigue)
•Grape Seed Extract (used as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory)
•Green Tea (used as antioxidant and to lower cholesterol)
•Kava-Kava (used for nervousness, anxiety and to relieve insomnia)
•Scullcap (used to reduce stress)
•St. Johns Wart (used to treat mild depression)
•Valerian (used to relieve insomnia and anxiety)
7 Baseline ingredients may include ingredients that have the potential to perform one or more of the following functions:
•Promote healthy cholesterol
•Promote healthy blood pressure
•Promote vascular health
•Promote heart muscle functions
Listed a few well-researched ingredients that one could include in a product that promotes heart health:
1. Resveratrol is one of the hottest ingredient for supporting heart health, according to Datamonitor, a global business provider of information and market analysis.8 It is an antioxidant found in grapes, mulberries, peanuts and knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum). A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has compiled over a decade of research and identified specific ways in which resveratrol reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. The heart protective effects of resveratrol include anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that resveratrol may also prevent lipid oxidation, platelet aggregation, arterial vasodilation and modulate the levels of lipids and lipoproteins. As a powerful antioxidant, resveratrol may help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the antioxidant defense system.9 Since resveratrol has no significant toxic effects even at higher concentrations, it holds great promise as a key nutrient for supporting heart health.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids - In the April 2011 issue of Circulation, the American Heart Association emphasized the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the first time by recommending omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake for elevated triglyceride levels in conjunction with other important lifestyle changes. According to the AHA, about 31 percent of the population has borderline high triglyceride levels. EPA and DHA help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, lower triglyercides, help improve insulin resistance, and help reduce arrhythmias, as well as protect the brain and eyes.
3. Fiber - The U.S. Federal and Drugs Administration (FDA) allows dietary supplement manufacturers to make heart health claims on products that contain at least 1.7 grams per serving of psyllium husk soluble fiber or 0.75 grams of oat or barley soluble fiber as beta-glucans. Manufacturers may state that a regular consumption of these fibers "may reduce risk of heart disease".11 Dietary fiber intake has been inversely associated with the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - This vitamin-like substance is naturally present in cell mitochondria and helps in the production of energy. Concentrated levels of CoQ10 are found in organs such as the heart and liver--organs that require the most energy for its functions. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may help lower blood pressure. As an antioxidant, it may help support arterial health by curbing blood-clot formation. Drugs that treat high cholesterol generally deplete the body's CoQ10 levels. According to a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, CoQ10 supplementation can restore these levels, as well as promote heart health.
5. Vitamin D - In the last 15 years, research studies have shown that Vitamin D's role goes far beyond the control of calcium metabolism. An August 2010 issue of the Cardiovascular Therapeutics linked Vitamin D deficiency to an increased prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and other conditions. Scientists believe that Vitamin D may be able to modify vascular health, and thus may play a preventive role in cardiovascular disease.
6. Phytosterols such as beta sitosterol, are natural plant fats that may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Phytosterols are believed to help reduce cholesterol absorption thereby lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). When purified, phytosterols are insoluble and biologically inactive. In order to ensure that phytosterols in supplements retain their bio-active compounds, they must be emulsified or dissolved in fat. The FDA has approved heart health claims for phystosterols
All types of teas support cardiovascular health through a variety of mechanisms. Flavonoids in tea may directly improve vascular health and circulation according to a study published in Lipidology.16 The Journal of Nutrition published findings from studies that showed five servings of black tea per day reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by over 11 percent and total cholesterol by 6.5 percent in adults that were mildly hypercholesterolemic. The main component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), present abundantly in green tea, was found to have heart health-protective benefits.
In addition to the above, there are other nutrients, herbs and botanicals each having unique and diverse functions for supporting heart health. These include folic acid, cocoa, vitamins such as B3, B6, B12, antioxidants from fruit extracts such as pomegranate and blueberries, policosanol, garlic, guggulipid, chromium, magnesium, soy protein, arginine, hawthorn, grape seed extract and more.
•Eat foods higher in monounsaturated fats. Seafood is a good example.
•Cook with oil higher in monosaturated fats, like Olive oil.
•Eat foods containing polyunsaturated fats. Seafood is a good example here also.
•Eat lots of whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables.
•Eat foods with salt and sodium in moderation. Try to take in less than 3 grams daily.
•Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
About Heart Health Dietary Supplements
Most healthcare professionals and organizations do not recommend substituting good nutrition with supplements. In spite of their claims, they are not the “cure all” and they can not make up for a poor diet. Having said that, there are benefits to taking a multi-vitamin and some supplements to round out a healthy intake of necessary vitamins and minerals you may lack in your diet.
Heart healthy eating includes getting all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. Taking a multivitamin daily may actually be heart healthy. A daily multivitamin can reduce your risk of having a first heart attack.” When you decide to take a daily multivitamin or mineral, make sure it does not contain more than 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for any nutrient. Be very careful with herbal supplements, as many of these can interfere with prescribed medications.
Here’s a list of some of the most common herbal supplements:
•Astragalus (used for immune system health)
•Black Cohash (used for PMS symptoms)
•Chamomile (used as anti-inflammatory and sedative)
•Dong Quail (used to relieve menopause and PMS symptoms)
•Echinacea (used to treat colds and flu)
•Evening Primrose (used to lower cholesterol and arthritis inflammation)
•Feverfew (used for migraine headaches)
•Flax Seed (used for immune system health and provide fiber in diets)
•Garlic (used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol)
•Ginger (used to relieve motion sickness and sometimes as anticoagulant blood thinning)
•Ginko (used to improve memory)
•Ginseng (used to regulate blood sugar levels)
•Goldenseal (used to decrease mucosal inflammation in colds and allergies)
•Gotu Kola (used to improve memory and mental fatigue)
•Grape Seed Extract (used as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory)
•Green Tea (used as antioxidant and to lower cholesterol)
•Kava-Kava (used for nervousness, anxiety and to relieve insomnia)
•Scullcap (used to reduce stress)
•St. Johns Wart (used to treat mild depression)
•Valerian (used to relieve insomnia and anxiety)
7 Baseline ingredients may include ingredients that have the potential to perform one or more of the following functions:
•Promote healthy cholesterol
•Promote healthy blood pressure
•Promote vascular health
•Promote heart muscle functions
Listed a few well-researched ingredients that one could include in a product that promotes heart health:
1. Resveratrol is one of the hottest ingredient for supporting heart health, according to Datamonitor, a global business provider of information and market analysis.8 It is an antioxidant found in grapes, mulberries, peanuts and knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum). A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has compiled over a decade of research and identified specific ways in which resveratrol reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. The heart protective effects of resveratrol include anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that resveratrol may also prevent lipid oxidation, platelet aggregation, arterial vasodilation and modulate the levels of lipids and lipoproteins. As a powerful antioxidant, resveratrol may help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the antioxidant defense system.9 Since resveratrol has no significant toxic effects even at higher concentrations, it holds great promise as a key nutrient for supporting heart health.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids - In the April 2011 issue of Circulation, the American Heart Association emphasized the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the first time by recommending omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake for elevated triglyceride levels in conjunction with other important lifestyle changes. According to the AHA, about 31 percent of the population has borderline high triglyceride levels. EPA and DHA help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, lower triglyercides, help improve insulin resistance, and help reduce arrhythmias, as well as protect the brain and eyes.
3. Fiber - The U.S. Federal and Drugs Administration (FDA) allows dietary supplement manufacturers to make heart health claims on products that contain at least 1.7 grams per serving of psyllium husk soluble fiber or 0.75 grams of oat or barley soluble fiber as beta-glucans. Manufacturers may state that a regular consumption of these fibers "may reduce risk of heart disease".11 Dietary fiber intake has been inversely associated with the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - This vitamin-like substance is naturally present in cell mitochondria and helps in the production of energy. Concentrated levels of CoQ10 are found in organs such as the heart and liver--organs that require the most energy for its functions. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may help lower blood pressure. As an antioxidant, it may help support arterial health by curbing blood-clot formation. Drugs that treat high cholesterol generally deplete the body's CoQ10 levels. According to a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, CoQ10 supplementation can restore these levels, as well as promote heart health.
5. Vitamin D - In the last 15 years, research studies have shown that Vitamin D's role goes far beyond the control of calcium metabolism. An August 2010 issue of the Cardiovascular Therapeutics linked Vitamin D deficiency to an increased prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and other conditions. Scientists believe that Vitamin D may be able to modify vascular health, and thus may play a preventive role in cardiovascular disease.
6. Phytosterols such as beta sitosterol, are natural plant fats that may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Phytosterols are believed to help reduce cholesterol absorption thereby lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). When purified, phytosterols are insoluble and biologically inactive. In order to ensure that phytosterols in supplements retain their bio-active compounds, they must be emulsified or dissolved in fat. The FDA has approved heart health claims for phystosterols
All types of teas support cardiovascular health through a variety of mechanisms. Flavonoids in tea may directly improve vascular health and circulation according to a study published in Lipidology.16 The Journal of Nutrition published findings from studies that showed five servings of black tea per day reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by over 11 percent and total cholesterol by 6.5 percent in adults that were mildly hypercholesterolemic. The main component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), present abundantly in green tea, was found to have heart health-protective benefits.
In addition to the above, there are other nutrients, herbs and botanicals each having unique and diverse functions for supporting heart health. These include folic acid, cocoa, vitamins such as B3, B6, B12, antioxidants from fruit extracts such as pomegranate and blueberries, policosanol, garlic, guggulipid, chromium, magnesium, soy protein, arginine, hawthorn, grape seed extract and more.
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