Many factors can ensure a healthy heart, including a healthy diet, regular exercise and at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep a day. In addition to these factors, there are many other things you can do to keep your heart healthy, such as taking supplements regularly and on a regular basis. What supplements can help? For example, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, inositol, folic acid, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D.
Fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon are full of omega-3 fatty acids. These can normalise triglyceride levels, blood pressure and inflammation in the body, but are also known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Not only fish but also certain vegetable oils such as linseed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And fish oil helps to increase the levels of good cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol, which reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries and can also reduce the risk of heart disease.
The body needs magnesium to function properly. Low magnesium levels have been linked to high blood pressure, high plaque levels in the arteries and high cholesterol. This mineral helps to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart attack, and improves insulin resistance.
Inositol may also help to control blood sugar and blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Folic acid reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure. Folate is found in large amounts in vegetables, beans and citrus fruits.
Grape seed extract can be effective in reducing high blood pressure and is also full of antioxidants, which are also good for heart health.
Coenzyme-Q10 is found in high amounts in salmon, tuna, broccoli and cauliflower. Why do we need it? It has a major role in lowering high blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol.
Vitamin D can also reduce high blood pressure, help prevent stroke and reduce the risk of diabetes. Rich sources include eggs, cheese and mushrooms.
