The best way to protect your heart, besides not smoking, is through the time-tested duo of diet and exercise. That means getting at least 30 minutes of blood-pumping physical activity no less than five days a week, plus eating plenty of fresh produce, whole grains and lean protein.
Those also happen to be the foods that supply the nutrients shown below, all of which are available supplementally (in addition to herbs and other natural substances).†
|
Name |
What It Is |
What It Does |
|
Carnitine |
A derivative of the amino acid lysine found primarily in meat and dairy products |
Helps cells burn fatty acids for energy; concentrated in heart muscle tissue* |
|
CoQ10 |
A fat-based nutrient found primarily in meat, fish, nuts and some produce |
Supports cardiovascular well-being as well as energy production and free radical defenses* |
|
Garlic |
Allium sativum, used in cooking and traditional medicine for centuries |
Long used to support cardiac well-being* |
|
Grape Seed |
Seeds of the fruit used in winemaking |
Known to help support blood health* |
|
Green Tea |
Camellia sinensis, the most popular beverage in the world besides water |
Supports the body’s free-radical defenses* |
|
Hawthorne |
Crataegus laevigata, part of a family of shrubs and small trees native to the Northern Hemisphere |
Long revered in European herbalism; supports healthy heart function* |
|
Magnesium |
A mineral found in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and other foods |
Required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body; supports nerve and muscle relaxation* |
|
Niacin |
A B vitamin found in asparagus, chicken, halibut, tuna and salmon |
Provides nutritional support for natural energy production while promoting a healthy nervous system and brain function as well as supporting digestive and skin health along with healthy blood circulation* |
|
Olive Hydroxytyrosol |
A phytonutrient found in olives and olive oil |
Has shown an ability to support free-radical defenses and blood health* |
|
Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
EPA and DHA, the long-chain varieties, are found in fish and oils taken from fish and krill |
Helps make cell membranes more flexible; supports healthy heart function* |
|
Plant Sterols |
Cholesterol-like compounds found in wheat germ and bran, various oils and other sources |
Supports heart health* |
|
Potassium |
A mineral found in produce including bananas, potatoes, oranges and tomatoes |
Supports proper electrolyte function and blood health* |
|
Resveratrol |
A phytonutrient found in red wine, red grapes and peanuts as well as the herb Polygonum cuspidatum |
Helps support blood health* |
|
Taurine |
An amino acid found in fish and other animal-based foods |
Helps support cardiovascular health* |
|
Vitamin E |
A family of eight related compounds found in oils, nuts and other foods |
Helps support free-radical defenses in the fatty parts of cells* |
NOTE: Always consult with your healthcare practitioner for help in designing a supplementation program, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
