Five Vital Nutrients For Heart Health

During the average lifetime, the human heart will beat over 3 billion times! We can all agree that this hard-working organ deserves some TLC. Aside from exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management, what nutrients can we supply our heart to keep it happy and healthy for many years? Lets take a look at five nutrients that can support our heart for many years to come:

Omega 3 fatty acids

These unsaturated fats, mostly found in fish, can prevent blood clots, reduce plaque build up in the arteries, and reduce the body’s inflammation response. They decrease your risk of strokes and heart failure.

Magnesium

This mineral is essential for over 300 enzymatic functions in the body every day. Magnesium stimulates muscles to relax, which is obviously essential to maintaining a steady heart beat and normal blood pressure. Magnesium can be found in nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.

Folate

This B vitamin helps break down an amino acid in the blood called homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, and whole grains are great sources of folate.

Polyphenols

This science-y word is just the term for the compounds found in abundance in apples, berries, dark chocolate, and red wine. Polyphenols decrease inflammation, increase levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol, and stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which is critical in helping relax blood vessels and decrease blood pressure.

CoQ10

This antioxidant used for cellular energy is found primarily in organ meats and oily fish. It is also known to increase levels of HDL, to lower blood pressure, and to reduce deaths from heart failure. Since it can be hard to obtain from diet alone and our body produces less of it as we age, this one can be a valuable nutrient to obtain through supplements.

Support your heart with the nutrients it needs to support a healthy 3 billion beats!