5 Nutrients to Promote a Healthy Heart

Heart disease is still the #1 killer for Americans, which is not overly surprising considering that less than 5% of the U.S. population qualifies for the American Heart Association definition of ideal cardiovascular health. Did you know that 50% of Americans have at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and of those with multiple risk factors, fewer than 10% have them adequately controlled? 1

Nonetheless, many Americans still see the value of preventive efforts. Lifestyle decisions that measurably decrease your risk include proper diet, exercise, stress control, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing salt and sugar. How about one step you can take today for maximum benefits with minimal effort? Simply ensure that your daily vitamin/mineral supplement provides abundant levels of these important heart-protective nutrients:

Vitamin E
Numerous studies have found that optimal levels of vitamin E are associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease.2

Niacin
Niacin can measurably improve HDL (“good”) cholesterol-with better results than statin drugs. In fact, niacin continues to be the most effective agent for raising HDL cholesterol.3 Niacin is also highly effective at reducing dangerous LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.4

The B Vitamin Trio
Along with vitamins B-6 and B-12, folic acid (B-9) helps reduce the amino acid homocysteine, which at high blood levels may increase your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular disease. Specifically, homocysteine may damage the inner lining of arteries and promote blood clots.5

Magnesium
Magnesium improves cardiovascular health by helping to prevent stroke, regulate blood pressure, and improve serum lipid profiles.6

Vitamin D
Insufficient vitamin D has been associated with hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and chronic vascular inflammation.7

Although heart disease is a serious matter, you have considerable control over how susceptible you are. Along with smart diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices, incorporating key nutrients can offer powerful natural protection.

References:
1 Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Dec 23 [Epub ahead of print]
2 Ann Intern Med. 1995 Dec 1;123(11):887
3 Int J Womens Health. 2010 Aug 9;1:181-91
4 Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Aug;20(8):1253-68
5 www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=535
6 Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51
7 Recenti Prog Med. 2010 May;101(5):202-11