Some dietary supplements can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. They can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and control blood pressure, spasm of the coronary arteries and heart rhythm. It is important to combine these supplements with a healthful diet and exercise.
Vitamin E
Antioxidants are nutrients that destroy free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of oxygen metabolism in the body and cause damage to organs including the heart. According to the book "Food as Medicine," vitamin E is an efficient antioxidant that increases blood flow and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. The book "Basic Health Publications User's Guide to Heart-healthy Supplements," reports that vitamin E supplements have been found to reduce the rate of recurring fatal and non-fatal heart attacks.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is a dietary supplement that is beneficial to the heart. It reduces factors that increase an individual's risk for heart disease. One such factor is high cholesterol levels. Niacin lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The heart benefits of niacin supplements include a reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Essential Fatty Acids
Linolenic and linoleic acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, they need to be consumed in the food you eat or as dietary supplements in the form of fish oil. Essential fatty acids reduce cholesterol and fat in the blood. They also help to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid
Folic acid and vitamin B6 both belong in the B vitamin family. These two nutrients contribute to heart health by lowering the levels of homocysteine in the body, reducing the risk for heart disease.
References
- "Basc Health Publications User's Guide to Heart-healthy Supplements: learn about the most important nutrients and supplements for a Healthy Heart"; Michael Janson; 2004
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements"; Shawn M. Talbott, Kerry Hughes; 2006
- "Food as Medicine"; Dharma Singh Khalsa; 2002
