Which supplements are good for heart health and which are not?

As the number of cardiometabolic diseases has increased significantly over the years, the question of which supplements to take and which to avoid has become relevant, and diet and nutrition , are two of the most important factors in causing and preventing some long-term illnesses.

Cardiometabolic diseases are a range of common but preventable ailments, including cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These represent some of the most serious health challenges for the global healthcare system in the 21st century, with cases increasing rapidly each year. But research, technology, and treatment modules have also evolved at a brisk pace over the years, making these conditions not only treatable, but preventable.

Several studies suggest that a diet rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. On the contrary, diets rich in saturated fat and sodium increase the threat index. It tends to reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases, and folic acid reduces the risk of stroke. Lowers blood total homocysteine ​​(tHcy) levels. An important family of polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fats not only help prevent heart disease and stroke, but also help control lupus, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. cancer and other terms.

Polyphenols such as curcumin, genistein, and quercetin have shown health benefits in reducing HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar) and fasting blood insulin levels, as well as preventing cardiovascular disease. And while some micronutrients have various health benefits, others such as vitamins C, E, and selenium have neutral effects on cardiovascular and metabolic disease. It’s also worth noting that vitamin D reduces oxidative stress and improves cardiac metabolic outcomes, but research is still inconclusive on whether it can prevent heart disease.

In fact, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say that too much of certain vitamins can be harmful. Too much calcium and vitamin D increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nutrients such as magnesium play an important role in muscle and nerve function. The heart is a muscle that requires large amounts of magnesium to contract and maintain rhythm. Magnesium supplements are known to promote everyday wellness along with better sleep, increased energy levels and improved mood. They also have certain health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, and improving migraine headaches.

Prescription fish oils are used, but are more effective against triglycerides than cholesterol, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. can reduce triglycerides by 30-50% in people at high risk of pancreatitis. It can increase bad cholesterol.

However, micronutrients like beta-carotene are known to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease when taken in supplement form.Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. The human body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A as needed. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E keep cell membranes from weakening and protect against harmful compounds trying to get inside. Oxidative damage may indirectly lead to diet-related chronic diseases such as CVD.

Beta-carotene is also known to increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease under certain circumstances. . Beta-carotene is also known to affect male and female patients, smokers and drinkers differently. That’s it.

Beta-carotene supplements are also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers, suggesting that micronutrients should be consumed as whole foods rather than supplements. Some benefits can be obtained when nutrients are consumed as whole foods compared to when they are isolated and taken in supplement form.

However, these studies are relatively new and have been conducted on a limited number of people, so it is important to characterize specific dosages.