The Best Foods And Supplements For Heart Health

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. Heart disease can affect the heart muscle, blood vessels, coronary arteries, and heart rhythm. Fortunately, heart disease can be prevented with the right exercise, diet, and supplements to fill in nutritional gaps.

Fruits and vegetables

Vegetables, in particular, are packed with vitamins and minerals. Both fruits and vegetables are also low-calorie and fiber-rich foods that can help with more than heart disease. Meal-planning and prepping vegetables and fruits can ensure people always have a healthy food source on-hand for any meal. Fresh is always best, but frozen and canned foods are better than nothing.

Whole grains

Heart disease sufferers should keep whole grains in regular rotation in a meal plan. Whole grains are full of fiber and other nutrients that reduce the risk of heart disease. Refined grain products can easily be substituted with whole-grain products such as farro, barley, and quinoa. Avoid processed grain products such as white bread, donuts, and high-fat crackers.

Fiber

Fiber-rich food sources can significantly help people who want to prevent or reduce heart disease. Fiber supplements are a worthy alternative. Psyllium fiber can help lower cholesterol, especially when taken with a low-cholesterol diet. Choose fiber products that contain both insoluble and soluble fiber for a complete solution.

Coenzyme 10

Coenzyme 10, also known as CoQ10, is made naturally in the body. In supplement form, CoQ10 can reduce blood pressure, especially when taking other heart disease medication. CoQ10 supplements can also regulate the natural CoQ10 levels in the body, which can be lowered with specific cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, as well as fish-derived supplements. Nonfish options rich in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans, chia seeds, pasta, dairy, and canola oil. Omega-3 supplements can help improve heart disease when omega-3-rich food sources aren’t available.

Speak with a healthcare professional

A doctor can help patients come up with a personalized health plan to manage heart disease. A doctor can determine the safety of the supplement with other medications. Patients should always consult with a doctor before starting a dietary supplement. After the due diligence has been performed, patients can be on the way to a stronger and healthier heart.