Other Nutrients for Heart Health
Health:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) enhances the pumping and electrical functions
of the heart, improves general cardiac function, and improves energy
production within heart muscle cells. Because the heart is one of
the few organs in the body that is working constantly, it requires
the most energetic support. Therefore, a decrease in CoQ10 levels
could impair the functional capabilities of the heart, and possibly
lead to degenerative lesions of the heart, a condition found in
most types of cardiovascular disease.
CoQ10 is primarily available in tablet, powder,
or capsule form, but based on bioavailability studies, the best
preparations are soft-gelatin capsules that contain CoQ10 in an
oil base, such as soybean oil.
I recommend taking 60 mg of CoQ10 in an oil base
twice a day. If you are taking a dry preparation of CoQ10, take
100 to 150 mg a day.
Hawthorn is a spiny tree or shrub native to Europe. This herb dilates
your coronary vessels, thus improving blood supply to your heart
and improving the metabolic processes in your heart. This makes
your heart muscle contract more forcefully, preventing some types
of rhythm disturbances.
I recommend 100-300 mg of hawthorn per day.
This amino acid plays an important role in the ability of your body
to break down fatty acids like cholesterol for fuel. Like CoQ10,
it improves energy production within heart cells. In fact, studies
have shown that L-carnitine increases blood flow to the heart, reduces
LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and lowers blood pressure levels.
I recommend taking 1,000-2,000 mg of L-carnitine
each day.
Side effects are rare and occur mostly at higher
doses.
A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids substantially reduces
your risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and
triglycerides, preventing blood platelets from becoming sticky,
and reducing blood pressure.
All three of the following oils are excellent
sources of omega-3 fatty acids. I recommend taking either:
Fish oil: 200 to 300 mg per day, or
Evening primrose oil: 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day, or
Cold-pressed flaxseed oil: 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.
Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals