Resveratrol is a strong antioxidant that protects the heart.
Co-enzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is commonly
deficient in people with heart disease. Its main benefit lies in strengthening
the heart muscle after a heart attack or surgery. As it is fat soluble, take 50
mg daily with a meal containing some fat.
Carnitine, an amino acid, is essential in the transport of
fatty acids into cells. If the heart does not have a good oxygen supply,
carnitine levels drop. Supplementation allow the heart muscle to use its
reduced oxygen supply more efficiently. Carnitine should be taken together with
magnesium. (NOTE: carnitine should not be confused with acetyl-carnitine, which
is used as a brain nutrient, or carnosine, which Is used as an antioxidant for
eye health.)
A raised homocysteine levels is an independent risk factor
for heart disease, and must therefore be treated when it is detected in your
baseline blood tests. Homocysteine plays a major role in laying down fatty
plaque inside arteries. It can be controlled easily by taking vitamins B6, B12
and folate.
Eat more fish. Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) can be
found in herrings, pilchards, salmon and sardines, or as supplements in fish
oil capsules. Flaxseed (also known as linseed) is another omega-3 EFA, with the
benefit of lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Vegetarians may be at risk of developing increased
homocysteine levels if they have a low vitamin B12 intake.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, lowers blood cholesterol and reduces
the formation of blood clots. As a result of minor side effects, such as facial
flushing, niacin has been underutilized but remains an alternative to
cholesterol to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs,
Vitamin E should be used as a blood ‘thinner’ to prevent
clots and thrombosis. It helps to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
