Key Supplements for Better Heart Health

Before we get into the best supplements for your cardiovascular health we need to talk through what a heart-healthy diet looks like because if you aren’t feeding your body correctly then you could potentially negate the positive effects of supplements.

First Step in Improving Heart Health

Let’s take a closer look at some basics regarding eating well for a healthy heart. Now, you may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, fats, and carbohydrates, and are generally lower in calories. They may help you to manage your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

Overall, a heart-healthy diet emphasizes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts, and legumes. Try to limit saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages. If you choose to eat red meat, compare labels and select the leanest cuts available. One diet that fits this pattern is called the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)¹. Most healthy eating patterns can be adapted based on calorie requirements and your personal food preferences.

Top Supplements for Heart Health

In addition to eating well, you may need to consider adding a few heart-healthy supplements to your routine to help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet.

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)

Aged Garlic Extract is one of the most heavily researched herbal medicines today and is among the most commonly used supplements in people with heart disease. In studies, AGE is the type of garlic supplement that has been most consistently shown to have favorable effects on heart health. Kyolic AGE is produced through a proprietary aging process that eliminates garlic odor and harsh side effects. A heart-healthy dose is 1,200 mg daily. AGE can support healthy blood pressure levels, keep bad cholesterol in check, protect LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidation, increase adiponectin (a hormone that helps protect against inflammation), thins your blood, and staves off plaque in your arteries². Did you also know that AGE can benefit more than just the heart?

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a natural compound made by your body that has antioxidant properties. It is considered an “energy generator,” that enhances your heart’s pumping ability. Your body naturally makes some CoQ10, but it only makes a limited amount. CoQ10 is especially important to take if you are on a statin drug because studies show that when you take a statin drug to lower cholesterol, you deplete CoQ10³.

Red Yeast Rice

Red Yeast Rice is a fermented rice supplement produced by growing red yeast on white rice. Red yeast contains a small amount of naturally occurring statin that lowers cholesterol. So it works like a statin drug by blocking an enzyme that is involved in making cholesterol⁴. If you’ve had side effects from taking a statin drug though, such as muscle aches and weakness, you should be cautious with red yeast rice, especially high doses, as you may experience the same side effects from the supplement. It is always best to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols are compounds naturally found in the cell membranes of foods from certain plants, and they have a chemical structure that’s similar to cholesterol. Because of that, they can compete with cholesterol for absorption in your gut, which may help lower LDL in your bloodstream⁵. You consume small amounts of phytosterols when you eat vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods containing at least 0.65 grams per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Adding a supplement with Phytosterols can ensure that you are doing all you can to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Wakunaga Recommends:

At Wakunaga, our goal is to help people feel their best so that they can live long and healthy lives. Taking care of your heart health is imperative to that goal so we offer a wide range of Aged Garlic Extract supplements that support cardiovascular and immune system health. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular supplements and how they can help you achieve optimal heart health.

Cardiovascular Formula 100

• An herbal supplement containing 600 mg of Aged Garlic Extract per serving. Taken daily, this original AGE formula supports your cardiovascular system by maintaining circulatory function and overall heart health.*

Cardiovascular Reserve Formula

• An herbal supplement containing 600 mg of Aged Garlic Extract per capsule. This convenient, high-potency formula supports healthy cholesterol levels, already within normal ranges, overall heart health, and the immune system*

Cholesterol Formula 104

• An herbal supplement for cholesterol health containing Aged Garlic Extract and Lecithin.  This combination of Lecithin and AGE supports healthy cholesterol levels already within normal ranges and overall cardiovascular health*

Circulation Formula 106

• An herbal supplement for circulation, which contains 600 mg of AGE and a unique blend of Vitamin E with Hawthorn Berry and Cayenne Pepper per serving. This formula was designed to help maintain healthy circulation, normal cholesterol levels, and overall heart health*

Cholesterol Support Formula 107

• An herbal supplement for healthy cholesterol, which contains 600 mg of AGE and 400 mg of Phytosterols per serving. Phytosterols are plant fats that are structurally similar to cholesterol. They can inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol by competing for space in the intestinal tract, which decreases LDL cholesterol. This synergistic plant-based blend naturally supports healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health*

Total Heart Health Formula 108 

• An herbal supplement for total heart health, which contains 500 mg of AGE with vitamins B6, B12, folate, and L-Arginine in a formula created to support healthy cardiovascular function.*.

Blood Pressure Health Formula 109 

• An herbal supplement containing Aged Garlic Extract along with Nattokinase (an enzyme extracted from natto, which is fermented soy) and L-Theanine (a nutrient found in green tea). Clinical studies for each of these ingredients have shown been shown to support healthy blood pressure levels, already within normal ranges.*

CoQ10 Formula 110

• An herbal supplement for cardiovascular health, which contains 600 mg of AGE and 60 mg of Coenzyme Q10 per serving. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant essential for healthy heart function and cellular energy* This formula has been used in clinical studies that document its ability to support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Take charge of your heart health by eating well, keep exercising, and working some of these cardiovascular supplements into your daily routine. As always, we recommend you speak to your healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your routine.

1. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
2. https://kyolic.com/healthyguides/Heart-Of-The-Matter/index.html?page=10
3. https://kyolic.com/healthyguides/Heart-Of-The-Matter/index.html?page=12
4. https://kyolic.com/healthyguides/Heart-Of-The-Matter/index.html?page=12
5. https://kyolic.com/healthyguides/Heart-Of-The-Matter/index.html?page=12

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.