subject: Nutritional Supplements And Cardiovascular Health [print this page] Nutritional Supplements And Cardiovascular Health
Do dietary supplements formulated for cardiovascular health, protect against heart disease? The answer to that question is a definitive YES. Presently, there are a host of supplements formulated for the promotion of cardiovascular health and the protection of and prevention of CVD. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), is the leading cause of death in America today, and more women die from heart disese than all for of cancer combined. The most prevalent form of CVD in the United States is coronary heart disease, which is often manifested as myocardial infarction.
Dietary supplements aren't intended to be a food substitute because they can't replicate all of the nutrients and benefits of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. So if you're generally healthy and eat a balanced diet, daily dietary supplements may not be worth the expense. However, if you can't eat enough healthy foods or have certain conditions, you may benefit from taking a daily dietary supplement.
The body needs a variety of nutrients to maintain optimum heart health, nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. The most common ingredients marketed for promotion of cardiovascular health include omega fatty acids, plant sterols, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and garlic. Other nutrients include vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. These nutrients are absorbed better when obtained with foods, but meeting these needs with diet alone is very difficult. Supplements along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can be very helpful, but maintain a healthy balance. Mega doses of supplements can be dangerous.
Let's take a look at some of these nutrients and the common ingredients:
SELENIUM-According to a center study, some preliminary studies have shown a correlation between low selenium levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
B VITAMINS-According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, high levels of homocysteine in the blood, a naturally occurring amino acid, have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The NIH also states that homocysteine depends on folate, B6 and B12 to be metabolized, and that accumulating evidence indicates that lowering levels of homocysteine through B vitamin supplementation may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
MAGNESIUM-According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Among its functions are regulating heart rhythm and promoting normal blood pressure.
OMEGA FATTY ACIDS-A variety of available dietary supplements available specifically formulated for cardiovascular health contain omega-3 fatty acids alone or in conjunction with omega- 6 fatty acids. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fattier fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon), are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and may have health benefits when consumed in the recommended amounts, especially when used to replace saturated fats or trans fats in the diet.3 Omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs play a crucial role in heart and brain function and in normal growth and development.3 PUFAs are essential fats that the body needs but cannot produce, so they must be obtained through dietary means or supplements.
PLANT STEROL PRODUCTS-Studies have investigated the benefits of plant sterols (phytosterols), naturally occurring plant-based ingredients that have been proved to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, thus possibly decreasing the risk of CVD
Prior to taking supplements, you should consult your physician, especially when currently taking medications for other medical conditions, to ascertain the appropriateness of using these products to avoid possible contraindications or drug interactions.
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