Today heart disease is one of the main killers out there, for men and women alike. The good news is that while heart disease may be a big problem, there are things that you can do to prevent this problem.
Learning to eat right, exercising, and reducing your stress through methods like meditation can make a big difference. You’ll actually find that there are some herbs out there that can help to prevent heart disease and promote better health. Some help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, or even keep your heart rhythm natural. Here is a look at some of the best heart healthy herbs that you can add to your diet to add another layer of protection against cardiovascular disease.
Garlic
Probably one of the most well known heart healthy herbs happens to be garlic. It is known to help lower levels of bad cholesterol and it may also help to reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries, which is what causes strokes and heart attacks to occur. Some studies even show that garlic may help to raise good cholesterol, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. It’s easy to add garlic to your diet. Add it minced to your favorite stir fry, Italian dishes, or consider taking a garlic supplement if you don’t like the taste or smell.
Ginger
Another of the heart healthy herbs that you may want to start using is ginger. This herb includes essential fatty acids, which keep the heart healthy and also includes important amino acids and phytochemicals that the body needs. It can help to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol. It’s easy to add ginger to soups, to cookies, and other foods.
One of the best sources on herbal supplements and vitamins comes from Dr. Andrew Weil. I have read his work and taken his recommendations for many years and I think he has some of the best knowledge on herbs that you will find. His new vitamin and herbal advisor is free and quickly assesses which heart healthy herbs might benefit you the most.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo provides a variety of excellent benefits to your cardiovascular system, making it one of the heart healthy herbs. It helps to keep clots from forming and also fights off free radicals in the body, which can prevent heart problems as well. Most people do not cook with Ginkgo, but you can purchase it in supplement form to take on a regular basis.
Cayenne
When you use or take cayenne on a regular basis, it helps to tone up the heart. It helps to calm heart palpitations and keeps circulation going as well. This is one of the heart healthy herbs that can help to reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It is very spicy, so adding a bit at a time until you get used to it is a great idea. Add a bit to a juice or add it to your favorite dishes to give it a bit of kick.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb that contains various properties, like phytochemicals, that help to lower cholesterol, improve circulation in the body, and keeps blood vessels healthy. Turmeric can be found alone and added to foods or you may find that most curry powders include turmeric, so you can use curry powder to get the health benefits that this heart healthy herb provides.
Hawthorn
You may want to start taking hawthorn, another of the heart healthy herbs. It helps to improve the blood supply and oxygen in the blood. It protects capillaries from the damage of free radicals. It can also help to lower cholesterol and lowers blood pressure as well. It is recommended to help cure problems like blood clots, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis. Usually this herb is taken in a tincture 2-3 times each day.
Cacao
Cacao is a natural way that you can get theobromine, which is a stimulant that works as a heart tonic. Blood vessel function can be improved by the presence of a flavonol known as epicatechin in cacao. Eating raw cacao nibs is a great way that you can get more of this herb. It can be found in 70% cacoa dark chocolate, or you can take a tincture of cacao as well to enjoy the heart benefits.
Adding these herbs to your diet or to your supplement regimen can be a great way to improve your heart health. Herbs not only can help prevent heart disease, but can improve your health in many other ways as well. If you are already exercising, meditating to relieve stress, and eating right, adding these herbs to your life adds another layer of protection that can help you to avoid developing heart disease.
