Heart disease or cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America. However, there is a growing evidence that heart disease can be prevented or even reversed. Lifestyle and dietary changes can play a vital role in fighting atherosclerosis, the most common underlying cause of heart disease.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries narrow and harden due to an excessive buildup of plaque around the artery wall. It may lead to complete blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself causing a heart attack.
While lifestyle and dietary changes are important, here are some nutritional supplements that could decrease your risk of developing heart disease.
1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chronic inflammation of the arteries contributes to heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and bring down triglyceride (bad) cholesterol levels. High levels of triglycerides are linked to diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Studies show that high consumption of fish oil supplements supply us with omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic) is linked to better fat levels in the blood, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of death from heart disease. Research has found that taking two to four grams of fish oil per day can help.[1,2]
2) Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10) is an important compound that plays a vital role in the cells’ ability to extract energy from food. Although it is produced naturally in the body, its levels decline with age. The use of statin drugs (drugs given to lower cholesterol) also depleted CoQ10 levels.
The heart needs a constant supply of these nutrients so that it can get the required energy to do its work. Rhabdomyolysis, a muscle-wasting condition linked to statin-induced depletion of CoQ10, can be caused by prolonged use of statin drugs.
Supplementing with CoQ10 can independently lower blood pressure and improve heart function of those suffering from heart disease and high cholesterol. Its high antioxidant status makes it safe to use and it is well-tolerated by the body.[3,4,5]
3) Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
The antioxidants present in pomegranate juice can help reverse atherosclerosis and lower blood pressure. It has been consumed for centuries to improve heart health.[6,7,8]
4) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea has a potent antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that is known to prevent cancer. Its powerful antioxidant effect also helps protect the heart. Studies show that consumption of two to three cups of green tea per day can help prevent heart disease. Green tea extract is also available as a supplement.[9,10]
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page and read about other Natural Remedies here.
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References:
1. Defilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA. Omega-3 Fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2010 Aug;12(4):365-80. doi: 10.1007/s11936-010-0079-4. PubMed PMID: 20842560.
2. Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Nov 8;58(20):2047-67. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.06.063. Review. PubMed PMID: 22051327.
3. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. Overview of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease. Biofactors. 1999;9(2-4):273-84. Review. PubMed PMID: 10416041.
4. Kumar A, Kaur H, Devi P, Mohan V. Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and Meniere-like syndrome. Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Dec;124(3):259-68. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Jul 25. Review. PubMed PMID: 19638284.
5. Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S134-6. PubMed PMID: 8241697.
6. Sumner MD, Elliott-Eller M, Weidner G, Daubenmier JJ, Chew MH, Marlin R, Raisin CJ, Ornish D. Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005 Sep 15;96(6):810-4. PubMed PMID: 16169367.
7. Aviram M, Rosenblat M. Pomegranate for Your Cardiovascular Health. Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal. 2013;4(2):e0013. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10113.
8. Aviram M, Rosenblat M. Pomegranate Protection against Cardiovascular Diseases. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2012;2012:382763. doi:10.1155/2012/382763.
9. Sano J, Inami S, Seimiya K, Ohba T, Sakai S, Takano T, Mizuno K. Effects of green tea intake on the development of coronary artery disease. Circ J. 2004 Jul;68(7):665-70. PubMed PMID: 15226633.
10. Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, Kikuchi N, Nakaya N, Nishino Y, Tsubono Y, Tsuji I. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006 Sep 13;296(10):1255-65. PubMed PMID: 16968850.
