In 2006, cardiovascular diseases caused more than a third of all deaths in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Keeping the heart healthy is particularly important for those with a family history of hypertension, high cholesterol, heart attack and coronary heart disease. Using natural products to maintain a healthy heart function can aid in avoiding such problems, potentially adding years to your life.
Fish Oil
Frequently found in gel caplet form, or the less palatable oil form, fish oil is widely available at local grocery stores and natural health stores. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fish oil supplements have the ability to lower high blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and limit the chances of heart attack and heart disease. However, the NIH also warns that optimal results, when using fish oil for hypertension, require large doses of fish oil. This leads to an increased risk for bleeding. Consult a physician for suggested dosing to treat heart ailments.
Lycopene
Commonly found in red and fleshy fruits like tomatoes and watermelon, lycopene is a potent antioxidant. Supplements are available in many forms, including pills, drink mixes and even edible tomato powder. In 2002, the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto discovered that lycopene supplements may lower "bad" (LDL) cholesterol while raising "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels, thereby decreasing the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Hibiscus Tea
Herbal teas like hibiscus tea are among the most pleasant of all natural products used for healthy heart function. Surprisingly, this simple, bright and tart tea may be the answer to keeping hypertension at bay, therefore reducing the risk of developing heart disease. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture funded a study of hibiscus tea. The results showed that participants who drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day for six weeks were able to lower their systolic blood pressure by 7.2 points for people with pre-hypertension and 13.2 points for people with severe hypertension.
