The heart is a vital organ that plays a fundamental role in our body by pumping blood throughout the body, thereby ensuring the supply of oxygen and nutrients to every cell. However, like a delicate machine, this cardiovascular system can deteriorate over time. When it malfunctions, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, which are among the primary causes of death worldwide.
The main causes of heart disease are often linked to our lifestyle.
In our modern society, the fast-paced lifestyle makes regular exercise difficult; stress is omnipresent, and the lack of time to cook often leads us to processed foods rich in sugar—habits that do not help in preserving our health.
As part of adopting healthier behaviors, which we should strive for without feeling guilty, it is possible to address certain gaps with targeted supplements, whose effectiveness is well-established. In this article, we will explore how these natural products can play a key role in protecting and strengthening our heart.
Garlic: A Superfood for the Heart
Garlic is a food commonly used in cooking, but its health benefits go far beyond its taste. One of garlic’s main assets is an active compound called allicin, which has been shown to have positive effects on heart health. This compound has anti-inflammatory properties that help lower blood pressure and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Studies have shown that garlic can also reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Integrating garlic into your daily routine is therefore a simple yet powerful way to protect your heart. If you’re not able to consume it regularly, a quality garlic supplement could be a good solution.
Coenzyme Q10: A Powerful Antioxidant
Oxidative stress is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, and antioxidants like Coenzyme Q10 play a key role in protecting against this phenomenon. Coenzyme Q10, found in all organs, is particularly concentrated in the heart, kidneys, liver, and muscles. It is an endogenous antioxidant produced by the body, with production varying depending on age and health status. Studies have shown promising effects of Coenzyme Q10 on cardiovascular health. As a supplement, it is generally well tolerated and safe up to 1200 mg per day.
Quercetin: A Natural Antioxidant for Heart Health
Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and plants. Especially present in apples, onions, grapes, and broccoli, it protects heart cells from damage caused by free radicals, helping maintain healthy blood vessels.
It has also shown positive effects on reducing blood pressure and improving endothelial function, which is essential for good blood circulation. If you struggle to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your daily diet, a quercetin supplement may be worth considering.
Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Heart Naturally
The heart, an indispensable organ for our survival, deserves our full attention to function optimally. While adopting healthy habits is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, certain natural substances can have a particularly positive impact. Garlic, Coenzyme Q10, and quercetin are three examples of natural allies that, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to improving heart health. By adding one or more of these supplements to your daily routine, you can provide your heart with extra protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Catherine Turnbull, Naturopath graduated from ESNQ
Higher Education School of Naturopathy of Quebec
The health and medical information published or presented in this article is the opinion of the author only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should use their judgment. It is their responsibility to independently verify the information provided in the article. The contents of this article are for discussion and informative purposes only and should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A medical professional is the only person who can evaluate your health and give you advice following a medical examination. Rachelle Béry will not be liable for any of the information presented in this article or in any associated links, nor the use or misuse of the information.
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