There are vital heart supportive nutrients to protect and strengthen the cardiovascular system: omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and antioxidant-rich fruit concentrates. Together these nutrients help prevent hardening of the arteries and free radical damage, reduce blood clotting and inflammation, protect and improve heart function, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase energy production in the heart. These are your heart health tool-kit for protection and prevention.
Are you at risk?
Many people who have heart disease are unaware of it because they experience no symptoms, or they dismiss symptoms as fatigue or stress. Damage to the heart and cardiovascular system can be gradual, but the result can be devastating. Heart-related problems and their symptoms include:
Angina: caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart.
Symptoms:
- Pain or heavy pressure in the chest, especially after exertion
- Can be a heart attack warning
Symptoms:
- Often no symptoms until blood flow is slowed or blocked
- Chest or leg pain, depending on which artery is involved
- Symptoms may occur with physical exertion
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Heaviness or pain in the chest that can radiate to the left arm and neck
- Sweating, weakness, nausea, and vomiting
Symptoms:
- None are evident to affected individuals.
Fish oils are the most important supplement for cardiovascular health. By increasing dietary fish, or supplementing with fish oils, one can reduce the risk for heart disease or stroke by 47%, compared to controls (Jacobson, Wang, et al.). Fish oils can lower triglycerides, prevent excessive blood clotting, reduce inflammation, and improve heart function (Jacobson).
Energizing Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is required by almost every cell, where it helps convert food into cellular energy. As the heart requires a lot of energy, a CoQ10 deficiency can lead to serious heart problems. Lack of CoQ10 can affect the heart, liver, muscles, and brain. Studies show that supplemental CoQ10 can improve energy production in the heart and improve heart function (Pepe, et al.). CoQ10 levels drop as we age and supplementation is important for anyone with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, congestive heart failure, or other heart problems or conditions. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially statin drugs like Lipitor and Crestor, reduce the body’s production of CoQ10.
Potent fruit antioxidants
Oxidative cellular damage, caused by unstable free radical molecules, is a significant factor in aging and has been linked to many degenerative diseases, including heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage.
High ORAC blend of antioxidant fruit and berry concentrates include:
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Pomegranate
- Grape seed
- Blueberries