Vitamins can be a controversial and confusing topic to navigate. Which ones are the best? What time of day should I be taking them? And what form is best to take them in? With so much information online, it’s always best to consult your doctor before following a regimen. However, there are some vitamins that have been proven and are professionally suggested to promote heart health. These vitamins and supplements can promote heart health through various methods – lowering cholesterol, increasing the flow of red blood cells, lowering blood pressure. All of these functions can play an important part in keeping your heart happy and healthy.
Vitamins for heart health
Below are some suggested vitamins to look into for heart health. Remember that naturally getting these vitamins from food is the most effective method and best for our bodies to process.
Vitamin K
This vitamin is found in leafy greens – think spinach, broccoli, kale, or asparagus. You can also find them in legumes (ex. soybeans, lentils). Vitamin K can also be found in smaller amounts through strawberries and eggs. This vitamin is typically not found in a supplement form, so it’s essential to incorporate certain foods to ensure consumption of this beneficial vitamin.
Vitamin K is essential in helping blood clot which prevents uncontrolled bleeding within the body.
Higher levels of vitamin K have also been inversely linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
This type of CVD means that the patient has a build-up of fats, cholesterol, or other substances on the artery walls. The study found that the increased levels of vitamin K in the body reduced the risk of being diagnosed with ASCVD.
READ: Eating Less Meat Means a Healthier Heart
Fiber
This is a lesser-known vitamin tied to heart health, but just as important. Fiber is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. Fiber helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that your body soaks up from food.
Fiber can also be found in supplements. Certain types of supplements are tied to decreased levels of