Beneficial Supplements for the Heart

Fish oil contains omega 3 fats which have multiple health benefits. Omega 3 fats are good for the heart since they help to lower your blood pressure. If you are a vegetarian, you can add some walnuts, ground flax seed (alsi) and canola oil to your regular diet to increase intake of omega 3 fats.

Coenzyme Q10 occurs naturally in the body and is involved in many metabolic processes, especially those related to energy production. It has been helpful in the treatment of certain heart failure and now studies show it also helps control blood pressure.

Calcium and magnesium have multiple benefits. Both, especially when taken with adequate vitamin D, improve bone strength. Magnesium also supports a smooth cardiac rhythm and muscle function while both help to reduce blood pressure. Oatmeal is a heart helper. It is oatmeal's high content of water soluble fiber (beta glucan) that provides benefits to the heart. A six year study involving 22,000 middle aged Finnish males showed that consuming as little as 3 grams daily of soluble fiber (from the beta glucan fiber component of oats, barley or rye) reduced the risk of death from heart disease by 27%.

Your heart has been designed to last a lifetime but you have to do your bit to make sure it is kept in peak condition. It is a hard working machine that requires proper maintenance and proper fuel. We have told you in detail how to maintain and fuel your heart. How you do it is up to you.

Home remedies

Cinnamon - it tastes great in apple pies and is a commonly used spice. And now, cinnamon may be good for your blood sugar too. One study found that people with diabetes who ate three-eighths of a tea spoon of the spice a day had a better blood sugar level.

Pumpkin seeds - a good source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a healthy fat. These healthy fats reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel health and lower triglycerides (you get such goodness with roasted or fresh walnuts as well). Pumpkin seeds are also bursting with a nutrient most people don't get enough of magnesium. Your muscles need it to function properly and an ounce of these little treats contains about a third of your daily needs.

Siberian ginseng - used as a nerve tonic, detoxifier and immune system stimulant. Siberian ginseng is supposed to effectively reduce blood pressure, lower elevated serum cholesterol and eliminate angina symptoms. It prevents upper respiratory tract infections and promotes a feeling of general well-being by balancing the various neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) that act on the nervous system. It improves conditions where high levels of fatigue, low grade fevers, frequent sore throats and joint and muscle pain are present. You can use it for sixty days, rest for two to three weeks and then begin using it again. Side effects are rare but it should not be used with large amounts of caffeine.

Amla - a natural source of vitamin C, it prevents all heart problems.

Kalonji oil - mixed with goat's milk; in a cup of goat's milk, add half a tea spoon of kalonji oil and use this mixture twice a day to control heart problems. Avoid all fatty food items. Continue treatment for ten days. After ten days, use daily once.

Lemon - daily use of lemon also prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Consume a table spoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water before going to bed.

Beet juice - considered beneficial for the heart.

Garlic - known to have beneficial effects on the heart, the best way to have it is to boil two pieces of garlic in milk. This is recommended for prevention of heart problems.

Parsley tea - can be taken two to three times a day to improve the health of the heart.

Apples - good for the heart. Of course they are best consumed raw and fresh but you can also work apple juice and apple jam into your diet.

Tulsi [basil] - an important ingredient to keep the heart in healthy condition. Have a tea spoon of tulsi juice with honey on an empty stomach every day.

Green tea - while being widely known as a great aid to burn off fat, it also helps your heart at the same time. In one small study, extracts from green tea helped men burn seventeen percent more fat during a thirty minute moderate intensity cardio workout. It is not clear how green tea boosts metabolism, but it is possible that something in the healthy brew makes fat more available as fuel so you oxidize more of it when you exercise. Unlike sports drinks, green tea does not contain calories, so you do not have to do extra time to burn off the beverage. And while it is turning your work out into a fat blitzing bonanza, green tea is also helping to steady your blood pressure, protect your memory and cut your cancer risk.

Foods that are good for the heart - Tips from ayurvedic experts

Garlic: one clove a day wonders for the heart. Garlic prevents clotting of the blood. It regulates cholesterol, thins down the blood and brings down blood pressure. Do not have more than three cloves a day as this could increase the heart rate and heat in the body.

Mild spices

Mild spices like ginger, jeera, dhania and ajwain are good for the health of the heart.

Other herbs

Amla is a wonder fruit which you can consume fresh or dried or as a juice. Amla clears atherosclerosis and regulates the heart rate.

Arjuna is an all-round heart tonic. It is available in capsule, powder and liquid form.

Guggul - reduces cholesterol.

Ajwain , harda, ashwagandha, brahmi, beheda and shankapushpi are all good for the heart. The ayurvedic compound "triphala" contains amla, harada and behead and thus should be consumed.

Betel leaves [paan] without any additives are also good for the heart. You can have two leaves a day.

Reference:

Bose, Supriya. "4th D. Well Being." Oct. 2009 issue.