Top Six Nutrients for a Healthy Heart and Cardiovascular System

Heart is the most important organ of our body, and if it stops working-it means instant death. Healthy heart plays a very important role when it comes to living a long and healthy life. Here are six vital nutrients that can help you maintain a healthy heart and a healthy cardiovascular system.

1. Serrapeptase: It is a proteolytic enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties. But recently it has been gaining lot of attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits, especially its heart benefits. Recent research shows that it has significant application in reversing heart diseases, especially Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) as it has potential to unblock the arteries, especially the coronary artery which supplies oxygenated blood to our heart, and carotid artery which supplies oxygenated blood to our brain. It can thus also help in prevention of ischemic stroke, which can cause paralysis and even brain death. It also helps in dissolving of clots, thereby significantly reducing the risk of myocardial infarction or heart disease.

2. Taurine: It is an essential amino acid which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heart and healthy cardiovascular system. As we know, the endothelium is the thin layer of the cells which line the interior surface of the blood vessels. But an unhealthy endothelium is sticky and can attract cholesterol plaque, cellular debris and blood clots, all of which cause problems such as hardening of the arteries. Recent researches have shown that regular consumption of taurine can help in supporting healthy endothelium functioning. Food sources include seafood, especially salmon and cod, and meat.

3. Coenzyme Q10: It is a potent antioxidant known for energizing your heart and significantly improves the functioning of your heart muscle without having any adverse side effects. Besides that, it promotes healthy blood circulation and helps in maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels.

4. Magnesium: It is a natural blood thinner which can get thick and sluggish blood flowing again. Moreover, it is a powerful muscle relaxant, especially the cardiac muscles. Magnesium is vital for sustaining the normal heart rhythm and is used by doctors to treat irregularity in heart beats and palpitation.

5. L-Arginine: It is an essential amino acid which can help in lowering your blood pressure naturally by stimulating the production of a crucial compound in your body called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates your blood vessels, which promotes blood flow to your heart and other major organs. It is also known for relaxing your arteries, particularly your coronary and carotid arteries, besides helping restore their youthful elasticity. It is found in meat, eggs, milk, cheese, etc.

6. Allicin: It is the major biologically active compound found in garlic. It is produced when the garlic is finely crushed and is mainly responsible for the cardiovascular benefits of garlic such as lowering of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, regulation of blood pressure, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis due to plaque formation in our arteries and restoring the elasticity of our arteries, thus promoting healthy blood circulation.

Even though all these six nutrients help in maintaining healthy heart, there is no alternative to a healthy diet and regular exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart and cardiovascular system – these nutrients can only complement your healthy lifestyle.