In the United States and most countries worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There are a lot of medications prescribed today but many of them have side effects that may cause other health problems. It is good to consider taking dietary supplements which are free from harmful chemicals and substances, and without any side effects. Now, let’s take a look at the top supplements that you can take to best take care of your heart.
Studies have shown that garlic bulbs and garlic extracts are proven effective in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), as well as in lowering high blood pressure. It is relatively easy to purchase garlic dietary supplements on the Internet, and they come in either capsule or pill form, while others incorporate garlic into health powders and drinks. Garlic is regarded as the greatest wonder herb in the world containing allicin powder extracts. Allicin has a yellowish oily appearance that is responsible for the strong odor of garlic and has the ability to fight certain pathogens. With allicin, garlic is protected from pests as well as bacteria, fungus, and viruses because it damages and disables microbial enzymes.
Magnesium is considered as an anti-stress dietary supplement (both come in pill or capsule form), which plays a vital role in muscle contraction, nutrient metabolism, nerve transmission, blood coagulation, energy production, and blood and cell formation. On the other hand, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms including vitamin K-1 (responsible for blood clotting) and vitamin K-2 (improve heart’s health). Liver and other organ meats are sources of vitamin K, but you can consider taking vitamin K dietary supplements instead if you don’t consume these types of food.
If you have diabetes, a great dietary supplement you can try is citrus bergamot because it has a positive effect on lowering blood glucose levels, raising good cholesterol, and lowering triglycerides. Lycopene is a good source of antioxidants, found in tomatoes and tomato products as well as in most fruits and vegetables that help in lowering risk of cardiovascular disease. Arginine is a known as a natural amino acid possessing favorable effects on the blood pressure causing dilation of blood vessels. Vitamin B3 or niacin is a potent vasodilator that helps in lowering bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol levels.
Plant sterols or phytosterols can prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce amount of bad cholesterol by 10% with 2 grams of plant sterols daily. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant for the heart, synthesizing energy, prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Red yeast rice can help in preventing cardiovascular disease by decreasing LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Hawthorn is also known as a ‘heart herb’ that helps in regulating heartbeat, rich in flavonoids, and protect the body against free radicals.