Top 4 Heart Healthy Supplements with Research to Back Them Up

It seems that every month there is another announcement of a new supplement that we should be taking for heart health. While we are finally in an age that people have stopped buying into the mainstream medicine only concept, there is often confusion as to which supplements are really the best.

The first thing you need to realize is that not all supplements are alike. The best location for supplement purchases are at your local health and nutrition store. Many of the supplements at the local pharmacy may be just as good, but the quantity of the main ingredient is the priority of value; and not all pharmacies carry the highest quality while offering a reduced price. Always consult with a primary medical provider before adding any supplements to your dietary regiment. While healthy, some supplements can interact with medications that you may be taking.

Fish Oil is by far one of the top items on your supplement list. It contains omega-3 fatty acids which reduce clotting, inflammation and the high triglycerides; all contribute to problems relating to circulation, irregular heartbeat and the buildup of fat in arteries and liver. Look for organic and vegetable-based capsules for healthy and easy digestion. Research has indicated that cells aged more slowly in those coronary patients that had omega-3 fish oil in their diet. Quantity to take is between 1,000 and 3,000 mg per day.

CoQ10 has made a major jump in both popularity as well as being advised by physicians. This is an energy boosting biochemical and one of the best supplements for improving your life quality. Known to help as a treatment for congestive heart failure, it can reduce swollen legs, breathlessness, insomnia and enlarged liver. Patients that have experienced heart health problems have had significant reduction in future problems when adding CoQ10 to their diet. Quantity to take is between 100 and 300 mg per day.

Vitamin D: This vitamin plays a number of important roles in the body, including absorption of some of the minerals such as calcium and magnesium that play a major part in heart health. Those people that have been found to have low levels of vitamin D have been shown to have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol; all contributing factors for heart disease. Quantity to take is between 1,000 and 2,000 IU per day.

The B vitamin group: We may have grown up hearing that the B’s are good for you, but a double-blind study at the University of Southern California has found that the combination of vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 had a significant reduction in the subclinical early detection of atherosclerosis; even in those that had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The B group is a major player in the reduction of homocysteine levels. Niacin is another of the B vitamin group that has been shown to have very good results in treating high cholesterol. Quantity to take: Folic acid: 500 mcg per day; 50 mg of B6 and 400 mcg of B12 per day. Make note that some people have reactions from Niacin, including flushing, liver problems and itching.

Source: http://www.peakhealthadvocate.com/3761/best-heart-supplements/

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.