Preventing Heart Disease - Some Dietary Supplements Help The Cardiovascular System

We all want clean, clear arteries. The thing thatOmega-3 fatty acids also come in supplement
blocks our arteries is cholesterol. Cholesterol isform. The "3" refers to DHA, EPA, and ALA. DHA
produced by the body, but it is also present in the(docosahexaenoic acid) is the main fatty acid that
foods we eat. When our consumption leads toaids in the development of the brain, eyes, and
high levels of cholesterol, resulting plaques cannervous system. DHA can be found naturally in
damage our arterial walls and narrow the openingbreast milk. DHA has been added to foods like
through which blood passes.baby formula and dietary supplements. Food
Most of the cholesterol in the body is producedsources of Omega-3 include organ meats like liver
within the body. A small percentage of cholesteroland cold water fish.
comes from the foods we eat. Changing our dietEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) has no function in the
reduces what kind of cholesterol we introducedevelopment of the brain or the eyes, but does
into our bodies, but the major impact on ourplay a part in heart and vascular health. It also,
cholesterol levels has to be done on the inside.reduces inflammation during the immune response.
This is where dietary supplements come in.EPA is found naturally in cold water fish (salmon,
Supplements should not be taken unless given themackerel).
green light by a physician. Most people don't knowThe function of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is to
the amounts of these supplements that theywork in tandem with the other two fatty acids. It
need to do the job. Taking too much can be justis a building block for DHA and EPA. In nature,
as damaging as not taking enough.ALA can be found in flaxseed. Together,
A favorite supplement that we hear about isOmega-3 fatty acids reduce triglyceride levels,
antioxidants. Antioxidants have been added toblood pressure and blood clots.
vitamins to ensure that we get enough in ourAnother dietary supplement to keep those
everyday diet for maximum effect. Antioxidantsarteries clear is plant sterols. Plant sterols block
are substances that protect the cells and tissuescholesterol from being absorbed by the body. The
from harm.good thing about plant sterols is that while they
The main antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E,block absorption of cholesterol they do not hinder
beta-carotene, and selenium. Because theyother vitamins and minerals from being absorbed.
protect the tissues, antioxidants are believed toFoods are not fortified with these sterols to help
play a role in heart health. They protect the heartlower the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in
from disease which could lead to heart attacks.people with high total cholesterol levels. Margarines
These substances can be found in food sources.such as Benecol and orange juice are fortified
Most of the Vitamin C we need comes fromwith sterols. Oatmeal and bran contain soluble
foods like fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E is an oilfibers that reduce the bad cholesterol and keep
that can be found in vegetable oils, nuts,arteries clear. Other foods such as apples,
avocadoes, and whole grains. Beta-carotene canBrussels sprouts, and prunes contain soluble fibers
be found in green vegetables like broccoli, orangethat prevent absorption of cholesterol.
and red veggies like carrots, tomatoes, andFiber supplements that contain psyllium help to
peppers. Selenium is a mineral not found directly inlower artery clogging cholesterol when taken on a
the food we eat but in the soil where the fooddaily basis. These supplements come in wafers,
grows. The selenium in plants is directly related topowder, flavored mixes and tablets. We don't
the amount in the soil. For other sources, tryordinary get enough fiber so these supplements
foods like chicken, seafood, and nuts.are okay to increase our LDL lowering benefit.