Heart-Health Supplements for Valentine’s Day & Beyond

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. Roses and chocolates, date nights and love letters will be the theme of February, the heart month. The heart is how we love and is at the center of our lives. It is the strongest and most hard-working muscle in the body. 

As a part of the cardiovascular system, the heart’s job is to pump blood through a network of veins and arteries, that carries nutrients throughout the body. It is about the size of a fist and contains four chambers that work harmoniously to receive, pump, oxygenate and distribute nutrient-rich blood. Vitamins for heart health provide the right nutrients the heart and blood vessels need to work at an optimal level.

Heart supplements can also be taken as a preventative measure, especially if you are genetically predisposed to cardiovascular problems. An illness that can directly affect the heart includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, obesity, arrhythmias, and venous thrombosis. 

In this article, we will explore the best vitamins for heart health and other measures we can take to maintain a strong and healthy heart.

Top 5 supplements for heart health

1. Omega 3

Did you know that prolonged inflammation in the body can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease and stroke? Omega 3 is a type of fat that contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is found in freshwater fish, certain nuts and plant oils. It is not produced in the body so supplementation and/or food intake is key. Noor’s Omega 3 fish oil supplement is a potent and balanced blend of this fatty acid. Omega 3 is also good for brain health, joint pain and healthy hair, skin, and nails. 

2. CoQ10

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body. It improves oxygen utilization at the cellular level and allows exercise to be performed without problems. CoQ10 supplementation reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks, lowers blood pressure and helps offset the side effects of cholesterol-lowering Statins. According to the British Medical Journal, CoQ10 is a valuable heart health supplement for the effective management of heart failure, with the advantage of little to no side effects. 

3. Vitamin C

This common vitamin isn’t just an immune booster. Vitamin C helps support the production of Nitric Oxide which is a compound in the body that widens the blood vessels and catalyzes the release of certain hormones. This process improves blood vessel function and blood flow by dilating blood vessels and aiding tissue elasticity and arterial integrity. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that counteracts free radical damage which can help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arterial wall).

4. Allicin (Garlic Extract)

This pungent tasting herb definitely packs its punch in not only taste but in benefit as well. Thankfully, the capsule form of Allicin (the active ingredient in garlic) yields no taste and is one of the best supplements for heart health. A common kitchen ingredient, garlic supplementation comes with no side effects as well as a plethora of positive clinical results. According to the US National Library of Medicine, garlic reduces blood pressure, loosens up arterial stiffness, balances blood lipid levels which thereby lowers the risk of, and prevents Heart disease. 

5. B complex

This water-soluble vitamin is a staple that should be in everyone’s vitamin cabinet. B complex is an umbrella term for all B vitamins, which are a part of almost every function in the body. B Supplementation strengthens the blood vessels and is strongly involved in the energy-producing pathways of the body. 

Folic acid (B9) in particular can reduce a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke because it lowers and regulates homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. The regular consumption of meat can increase homocysteine levels and has been linked to the early stages of heart disease. 100mg a day is recommended.

Additional heart-health lifestyle tips

Exercise

Keeping the body in motion is a great way to keep the heart strong. Exercise not only burns calories but it helps the heart arteries to dilate more easily, it stabilizes your blood pressure and also promotes healthy cholesterol levels. According to Harvard Medical School, one exercise session can protect your heart for up to 3 hours. 

As you exercise, your heart becomes more resilient. 30 minutes a day is ideal for Cardiovascular health and intensity should be based on your current fitness level.

Final thoughts:

All in all, the heart is a fist-sized, self-regulated pump that requires necessary conditions to thrive. Implementing the best supplements for heart health along with diet and exercise is a great way to keep the heart healthy and prevent unforeseen illness. The heart works tirelessly and is the toughest and most assiduous muscle in the body. It is at the center of the love we emanate and also at the center of life in which we live. Take care of it with heart health supplements so it can, in turn, take care of us.