In every doctor’s appointment, you get your blood pressure checked, and your cholesterol is a key to your heart health as well. And more and more people are turning to supplements to get support for their heart health.
The 2017 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements shows 76% of Americans are taking dietary supplements, which is up 5% from 2016 results.
The survey also found that nearly nine in ten (87 percent) U.S. adults have confidence in the safety, quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements overall. (1)
With heart disease being the leading cause of death not just in America, but worldwide, many people are choosing to take supplements for a healthier heart.
Below are 12 of the best supplements to support heart health:
1. Beetroot
People who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, have lower levels of nitric oxide than the average person. Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator that opens the blood vessels thus increasing blood flow thoughout the body. Beet juice is abundantly rich in nitrates, which the body naturally converts to NO. Therefore, drinking beet juice will lower blood pressure and also protect the blood vessels from stiffening or developing arteriosclerosis.
In fact, one study showed, just one week of drinking beetroot juice helped those taking it lower their blood pressure by an average of 14 mm/Hg. Most people don’t incorporate beetroot juice often enough in their diet which is why taking a supplement is appealing.
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2. L-arginine
Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an important amino acid. One of the most important benefits of L-arginine is its ability to improve blood flow and circulation because it is converted into nitric oxide, which causes bloods vessels to open wider. In addition to lowering blood pressure, other cardiovascular benefits are: improves the health of blood vessels, promotes better blood flow thus preventing clogged arteries, increases stamina, and lowers high cholesterol.
See the Best L-arginine Supplement Here
3. L-citrulline
L-citrulline is another valuable amino acid that promotes a healthier heart. It aids in widening blood vessels, therefore improving better blood flow and general circulation, decreases blood pressure, especially in people with high blood pressure, and improves oxygen usage in muscle tissue to enhance exercise performance and endurance. Everyone knows that exercising regularly contributes to a healthy heart.
4. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, more commonly known as CoQ10, is an enzyme that the body naturally produces which regulates blood pressure. Quality CoQ10 supplements should contain ubiquinol as it is more readily absorbed when taken in supplement form.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric reduces plaque buildup and lowers the level of bad cholesterol. Taking turmeric helps fight high bood pressure and can also assist in the prevention of strokes. Its anti-thrombotic properties ensures that the formation of dangerous blood clots is hindered.
6. Fiber
Fiber cuts down the amount of cholesterol your body soaks up from food. Psyllium husk found in many fiber supplements helps to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. It can also raise the “good” HDL cholesterol. Many people don’t generally get enough fiber in their diet. Taking a supplement is a good decision not only for a healthier heart, but better colon health.
7. Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements decrease levels of unhealthy triglycerides and lowers blood pressure. Some other heart benefits of fish oil are: raises “good” HDL cholesterol, improves the health of blood vessels, prevents plaque buildup, and decreases risk of blood clots.
8. Garlic
Besides adding more flavor in your food, garlic can lower blood pressure, slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries along with lower the risk of blood clots. Eating more garlic in your food in addition to taking a garlic supplement will benefit your heart.
9. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is attributed to giving some fish and shellfish their bright pink color. It is also found in some algae. Recent clinical studies suggest astaxanthin supports cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing triglyceride levels and increasing HDL cholesterol.
10. Magnesium
Magnesium helps dilate or relax the arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure and making it easier for the heart to pump blood. It also improves the quality of sleep which indirectly lowers stress levels. Too much stress taxes the heart.
11. L-carnitine
L-carnitine delivers fatty acids into the cells where they are burned for energy. Due to the heart getting 60 percent of its energy from fat, the body needs enough L-carnitine to transport the fatty acids into the heart’s muscle cells for a healthy heart.
12. Vitamin K
Vitamin K has two types–K1 and K2. K1 prevents blood clots. K2 helps get calcium into the bones and stay out of the arteries thus preventing calcification, or “hardening” of the arteries. Vitamin K2 is found in some foods like egg yolks and organ meats. However, most people don’t eat enough of these foods to get enough K2 so adding a supplement would be beneficial.