Considering Heart Supplements? The Benefits of CoQ10 May Surprise You
Your heart is by far the hardest working, most important muscle in your body. It works 24/7 to pump nutrient filled blood to the farthest reaches of your body, to keep all your other muscles and organs nourished and energized. But how kind are you to that devoted heart of yours?
Your lifestyle plays a big role in determining the answer. Are you struggling with obesity, high cholesterol, or stress? Do you smoke, neglect getting enough exercise, or can’t resist sweet or fatty foods? If your answer is yes to any of the above, you’re not doing your heart any favors.
Healthier lifestyle choices, such as improving your diet and getting proper exercise, should be a part of any heart regimen. You may also consider taking heart supplements to promote a healthier heart. But with so many to choose from, where do you start?
Whether you’re at high risk or have existing heart disease, there’s evidence that the following heart health supplements may be helpful:
Benefits of CoQ10
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a compound produced in the body that is essential for energy production on a cellular level, especially in the heart. It helps increase heart muscle function and is a powerful antioxidant. Most people don’t get enough CoQ10 because as our body ages, its ability to produce CoQ10 decreases.
Because of the many health benefits of CoQ10, it is rapidly becoming one of the most recommended vitamins and supplements on the market. It has shown the potential to reduce high blood pressure without significant side-effects, decrease the risk of heart disease, increase energy, improve metabolism, and bring about better cardiovascular health.
CoQ10 supplementation has also shown promising results when used alongside conventional treatments for congestive heart failure. In Europe, physicians typically prescribe CoQ10 and heart medication hand-in-hand because it can enhance effectiveness of blood pressure medication and help reduce side effects.
You should consider the benefits of CoQ10 heart supplements if:
- you are over 40 (because CoQ10 levels decline with age)
- you are concerned about your overall cardiovascular health
- you have been diagnosed with heart disease
- you are taking statin drugs to reduce cholesterol
Benefits of Hawthorne
When considering heart health supplements, the benefits of Hawthorne shouldn\A1\AFt be ignored. The berries, leaves, and flowers of this shrubby bush have long been used as a heart tonic to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and chest pain. Hawthorne is a powerful antioxidant and is well-known for its heart strengthening properties. It actually shares some of the benefits of CoQ10 in that it can increase heart muscle function. According to Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council, Hawthorne relaxes blood vessels and improves central blood flow to the heart.
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium plays a major role in maintaining a healthy heart. Seeing as roughly 85% of Americans are deficient in this important mineral, you may consider adding it to your list of heart vitamins.
Boosting your magnesium tends to relax your heart muscle and blood vessels. This allows increased blood flow and flexibility and can therefore reduce blood pressure.
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Science is finally catching up with what naturopathic practitioners have known for years about cayenne pepper (capsicum). It may help:
- nourish the heart with vital nutrients
- remove plaque from the arteries
- improve circulation
- rebuild blood cells
- lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- remove toxins from the bloodstream
- enhance cardiovascular performance
Wai Lana’s Healthy Heart is one of the few heart supplements available that contains a synergistic blend of the 4 ingredients above. Healthy Heart’s benefits include:
- Improves energy production in the heart
- Has antioxidant effects (neutralizes free radicals that can cause heart problems)
- Maintains artery and blood vessel health
- Supports healthy circulation
- Helps increase endurance
- Supports healthy blood pressure
Before trying these, or any, heart supplements or heart vitamins, consult your doctor, especially if you’re already taking other medications. In fact, it is always advisable to check with your doctor before you embark on any new health regimen or introduce a new dietary supplement.
Purchase Wai Lana’s Healthy Heart supplement or view her other quality vegetarian supplements.
