Submitted by Dr T on October 29, 2010 – 4:01pm
Many people take vitamins and supplements to boost their heart health.
Here are some of the supplements that may benefit your heart include :
- Fish oil
- Plant sterols
- Niacin
- Fiber (psyllium)
- Red yeast rice
- Green tea extract
- B-Complex vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid)
- Coenzyme Q10
- Policosanol
Diets & Supplements for Heart Health
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and plant sterols may help lower cholesterol and improve blood flow to the heart.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 acts like an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. Some studies show that CoQ10 supplements may lower blood pressure slightly and may help heart failure.
Fiber (Psyllium)
Fiber lowers cholesterol, as well as the overall risk of heart disease, according to many studies. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed by the body.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil may lower cholesterol levels. It’s not yet clear whether it also lowers your overall risk of heart disease.
Folic Acid
Folic acid , a B vitamin, lowers levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to heart disease. But studies have not proven that folic acid reduces the rate of heart attacks and stroke.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal and the heart rhythm steady.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglycerides, according to research. Omega-3s may also reduce your overall risk of death from heart disease.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice may lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, according to several studies. One ingredient in red yeast rice – monacolin K – is identical as the active ingredient in a cholesterol drug.
(From: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-lifestyle-guide/heart-guide)
Hope this helps,