Laughing can help increase blood flow by 20%, but it’s not the only thing you can do every day for a healthy heart. What we eat can have a big impact on our bodies, and a healthy diet can be the first step toward optimal health.
Sometimes, though, healthy food doesn’t have all of the vitamins and minerals we need. Keep reading for our list of vitamins for heart health and how these healthy supplements can give your cardiovascular system a boost!
Magnesium
Low levels of magnesium can be a predictor for heart disease, and they’ve also been linked to high blood pressure, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and high cholesterol levels. All of these are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Not only could increasing your magnesium intake help with these symptoms, but it can also help lower your cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, and since stress can affect your heart health, it’s a good idea to keep a handle on it.
Magnesium can also sometimes help regulate abnormal heart rhythms.
Folate (Folic Acid)
If you need to get support for a healthy heart, folate is another good place to start. Also called folic acid, this B vitamin can help lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with high blood pressure.
Although it’s usually better absorbed when consumed through foods like vegetables, beans, or citrus fruits, it can be taken as a supplement as well.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Our bodies can’t make omega-3 fatty acids on their own, but they’re important for a number of different systems in our bodies, so it’s crucial to include them in a healthy diet. These are generally found in foods like fish, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and walnuts, but you could also take a fish oil supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids work by lowering triglyceride levels. High levels of triglycerides can contribute to coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke.
A target dose of 1 gram per day is usually a good place to start with a supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 is naturally produced in the body, and our cells use it to make energy for cell growth and maintenance. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
This can be a good one to take a supplement for since foods rich in CoQ10 aren’t always popular in our diets. You can find high levels of it in organ meats such as the heart, liver, and kidney.
CoQ10 also helps enzymes work to protect the heart and skeletal muscles.
Daily Support With Vitamins for Heart Health
A healthy heart can mean a healthier life, so why not take steps to care for it? Plus, with these vitamins for heart health, you can take your diet to the next level and cover all your bases.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out some of our other health posts!
