The heart is arguably one of the most important organs in the body. After all, it supplies all of our organs with blood, and a healthy heart keeps us strong and healthy. But what if your heart isn’t in tip top shape? Are there vitamins to strengthen heart health?
Vitamins to Strengthen Heart Health
There’s no question that our body needs vitamins in order to function properly. However, with regard to heart health and prevention of disease, the impact of vitamins is still unclear. This is because no study has yet to show a clear connection between vitamins and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Regardless, this doesn’t mean that the heart doesn’t need vitamins. There are indeed certain vitamins to strengthen heart health, and its important to make sure that you’re getting enough of these vitamins each day1.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
There are certain studies that have shown vitamin C and vitamin E to have some benefit in terms of lowering the risk of heart problems. However, larger studies haven’t shown any conclusive evidence.
Despite this, vitamin C can reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which have been linked to heart disease2. Vitamin E has also been found to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This means that taking vitamin C and E might have some benefit to a person’s heart.
Ideally, you should take at most 500mg of vitamin C, and 400 IU or around 268 mg of vitamin E daily.
Vitamin D
Another of the vitamins to strengthen heart health is vitamin D. It has been found to help regulate blood pressure3, and a deficiency in vitamin D has been linked by certain studies to an increased risk of heart attacks.
Good sources of vitamin D are milk, yogurt, cheese, red meat, egg yolks, and liver.
Vitamin B9
Also known as folic acid, vitamin B9 has been found to help strengthen heart health4. However, this has only been found through population studies, and more research needs to be done regarding its effects on the heart.
Still, folic acid is an important vitamin which you can get from broccoli, brussels sprouts, as well as green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, found in meat, fish, and dairy, can help reduce a person’s risk for heart disease. This is because some studies have found that a deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. However, a more direct link has yet to be established.
It’s Best to Get These Vitamins From Food Sources
While vitamin supplements are convenient and readily available, it’s still best to get vitamins from food sources5. This is because when you get vitamins from food, they are usually more readily absorbed by the body.
In some cases, taking too many supplements can also carry the risk of an overdose. While not all vitamins are dangerous if taken in large quantities, it’s still not a good idea to take more vitamins than your body requires.
So as much as possible, try to get these vitamins by having a healthy diet. Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals so that you can take advantage of their nutrition.
If for some reason, you are unable to get a specific vitamin, then you could rely on supplements instead. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about taking supplements so that they can give you advice on how to take these supplements safely.
Though, as much as possible, it is still a good idea to try and get your vitamins from natural food sources. Work with your primary physician and dietitian or nutritionist to create appropriate meal plans for your lifestyle. They are best to recommend vitamins to strengthen heart.
Learn more about Heart Health here.
