4 KEYS TO HEART HEALTH

BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RDN

WITH EVERY HEARTBEAT, blood is pumped throughout the body through a complex circulatory system of blood vessels. This system of arteries, veins, and capillaries running through your body is over 60,000 miles long! These vessels carry oxygen-rich blood, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins throughout the entire body. And yet, this is something most of us don’t even think about. Here are 4 keys to support overall cardiovascular health, from your heart to your tiny capillaries.

EAT FOR THE HEART.

When it comes to heart health, adopt a vegetarian or Mediterranean-style diet, focused on plant-based foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, and healthy fats from olive and avocado oils. These foods supply the fiber, antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and potassium needed to support cardiovascular health.

Carlson Super Omega-3 Gems

High-potency fish oil, supplying 1,200 mg omega-3. Supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and vision health.* Sourced from Norwegian wild- caught deep, cold-water fish.

Kyolic Blood Pressure Formula Aged Garlic Extract

Supports blood pressure health.* With odorless Aged Garlic Extract. Combined with nattokinase and Suntheanine. Formula 109.

MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE.

Even mildly elevated blood pressure can cause damage over time. Along with exercise and stress-reduction techniques, certain nutrients and herbs can support healthy blood pressure. The minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium help maintain electrolyte balance in the body and are necessary for regular heartbeat and normal blood pressure. Aged Garlic Extract has extensive research behind it, with one research review of 12 studies concluding that the reduction in blood pressure was equivalent to a 16–40 percent drop in the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Nattokinase, derived from the traditional Japanese food natto, has also been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

BOOST CARDIOVASCULAR POWER.

Regular exercise is important for keeping your heart in tiptop shape. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, so find something you enjoy—brisk walking, jogging, bike riding, tennis, or pickleball! In addition to exercise, CoQ10 plays a vital role in heart health. This powerful antioxidant targets the heart by increasing oxygenation of heart tissue. It is well known that many heart medications deplete CoQ10, so if you’re taking a medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, talk with your health care provider about adding CoQ10 or ubiquinol to your regimen. Ubiquinol is the reduced or active form of CoQ10, so it yields the same benefits of CoQ10, but with improved absorption.

LOVE YOUR ARTERIES.

Controlling cholesterol and inflammation are the keys to having healthy blood vessels. Oats, psyllium, and acacia fiber added to a heart-healthy diet are effective agents in reducing cholesterol. Garlic is a well-researched herb for the cardiovascular health, with studies showing that it can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and improve circulation.

Omega-3 oils, found in tuna and salmon—or in algae for vegetarians—have been shown to control inflammation and reduce cholesterol levels.

Healthy inflammation response also helps keep blood vessels clear and improve circulation.

Paragon Plus Ubiquinol CoQH 50 mg

Reduced, active form of CoQ10 for enhanced absorption. Potent antioxidant.* Helps the body maintain optimal CoQ10 levels.*