Vitamins and Supplements to Support the Heart

Did you know that your heart beats about 115,000 times each day? In fact, it’s believed that the heart works twice as hard as the leg muscles of an Olympic sprinter!

No wonder that this amazing muscle needs all the nutritional support it can get.

Most of us don’t think too much about our cardiovascular health - until we have to! That is, when a health issue comes up. But the thing is - it’s much easier (and less stressful!) to prevent a health issue than to treat one. 

Looking after your heart doesn’t have to be difficult, or even expensive. With the right diet and some heart-healthy supplements, you can keep your cardiovascular system in great shape. 

But first, here’s a quick 101 on just how important your heart is!

How the heart works

The heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood around your body - about five litres’ worth. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all your cells, tissues, organs, and muscles so that they function properly. Blood also removes waste products and other unwanted substances and carries them to the kidneys, lungs, and digestive system to be removed.

Your heart is the driver of all these processes, constantly sending blood through the lungs to be oxygenated and then back through the arteries and veins. 

So yes, it pays to keep your heart in tip-top shape!

Here are some of our best supplements for heart health. 

Co-enzyme Q10

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most popular and widely used supplements for supporting heart function. CoQ10 is a substance that’s naturally made in the body, but our levels tend to decrease as we get older.

The special thing about CoQ10 is that it acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, helping to support cells against oxidative stress and damage from free radicals. It also supports the generation of a form of energy called ATP within the cells. ATP is required for powering just about every vital function in the body, including heart function, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and the making of important proteins. CoQ10 supports the heart by supporting energy production in heart cells and supporting healthy blood pressure. It’s also known to support the immune system, healthy brain function, and gum health.

Not sure where to start? Check out GO Healthy GO Co-Q10 160mg. This high-potency, one-a-day dose of ubiquinone provides the active and bioavailable form of coenzyme Q10. 

Another great option is Clinicians COQ10 200mg, which also contains a high dose of natural ubiquinone to support healthy energy levels and blood pressure.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are key to supporting heart health and the most important are the Omega 3s. There are three types: Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). ALA is the plant-based form of Omega 3, found in flaxseed and hemp seed, while EPA and DHA are found in fish. Research suggests that the Omega-3s from fish oil are the most beneficial for the heart. 

Omega 3 fatty acids play many vital roles in cardiovascular health. For a start, they support healthy levels of triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. Keeping triglycerides in balance is important for supporting healthy arteries and blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids also help to support healthy circulation.

These benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly important for people who are at risk of cardiovascular issues, or who have already been affected.
Sanderson Fish Oil 3000 capsules are an easy way to get a high dose of Omega 3 every day. In fact, Bargain Chemist has a huge range of Omega 3 fish oil supplements to help keep your heart in good shape!

Magnesium 

You’ve probably heard that magnesium is good for supporting the muscles and healthy relaxation. That’s true - but magnesium is also essential for supporting proper heart function. It supports the heart’s electrical systems and contraction mechanisms, helping to keep the heart beating efficiently. Magnesium supports other minerals and ions involved in cardiovascular function, such as potassium and calcium. It also helps to support blood pressure and supports healthy levels of fats in the blood, which is important for maintaining normal circulation.
Although magnesium is present in lots of foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy greens, tofu, and wholegrains, many people are low in this vital mineral. Taking a magnesium supplement can help to fill in any nutritional gaps in the diet and support overall good health - especially the health of the heart!
Nutra-Life Magnesium Hi-Zorb contains premium-quality Magnesium Glycinate, a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed in the body. Clinicians Magnesium 625 provides magnesium aspartate, another well-absorbed form of magnesium to support cardiovascular function as well as healthy muscles, sleep, and relaxation. 

Multivitamins

A healthy diet is the best way to support your daily needs for vitamins and minerals. That means eating a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. After all, good nutrition is vital for supporting cardiovascular function, especially as we get older. Those with heart conditions will also be aware that they need to get plenty of vitamins and minerals every day while also watching their intake of saturated fats. 

But sometimes a busy schedule or dietary preferences get in the way of obtaining all the nutrients the body needs. That’s when a multivitamin can help. 

Lifestream Circulate 5 Herbs is a combination of Ginger, Cayenne, Hawthorn, Garlic, and Ginkgo. These ‘warming’ herbs are known for their benefits in supporting circulation and heart health. 

Or, for a quick and easy addition to your daily smoothie, Clinicians Multivitamin & Mineral Boost powder is hard to beat. This great-tasting powder contains 32 essential vitamins and minerals to support wellbeing and energy at any age. You can even sprinkle it on meals!

For more ideas on vitamins and supplements for cardiovascular health, check out our range of heart circulation support at Bargain Chemist. It’s never too soon to start!

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.