What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (commonly known as heart disease) is the most common cause of death in Ireland but is often preventable.
Atherosclerosis, or clogging and hardening of the arteries, is the most significant contributing factor to cardiovascular disease.
To reduce the risk of heart disease you must aim to reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increase your HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
What Can I Take to Help Reduce my Risk of Heart Disease?
The following supplements may help increase HDL and reduce LDL:
- Garlic (can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure).
- Omega 3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA.
- Vitamin B3 (200mcg).
- Vitamin B6 (50mg).
- Vitamin C (3g).
- Chromium (300-500mcg).
Other nutrients that can help you to reduce your risk of Cardiovascular disease:
- Beta carotene (15000-25000iu).
- Calcium (650-1000mg).
- Vitamin B2 (25-75mg).
- Vitamin B5 (250-500mcg).
- Coenzyme Q10 (50-200mg).
- Magnesium (400-750mg).
- Selenium (200-300mg).
- Vitamin E (600-800 IU).
- Zinc (30-60mg).
What can I do to Reduce my Risk of Getting Heart Disease?
- Reduce your intake of saturated and hydrogenated fats.
- Reduce your intake of salt and processed foods.
- Eat high fibre foods.
- Increase intake of fruit and vegetables.
- Increase physical activity levels.
- Try losing some weight.
- Quit smoking.