I think that most would agree that heart health is nothing to mess around with. For those who have experienced heart issues going “all in” on a heart health prevention plan would not be out of the question.

Here is a list of some of the natural components that are being used to assure heart health; niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, phytosterol concentrates (plant sourced), artichoke leaf extract, guggul, and red yeast rice. Let’s review them.

Niacin is an important B vitamin that may raise your HDL, “good,” cholesterol. Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. Niacin helps your body convert the foods you eat into energy for your tissues and organs. Folate, another B vitamin, has been proven essential to our overall health, but it has a crucial role for our heart. When taken in proper amounts, folate can lower our homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine have been shown to be associated with hardening and narrowing of the arteries as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and formation of blood clots.

The phytosterol concentrates has made some exciting news in the last few years in the realm of helping many to control cholesterol levels. Specifically, the beta sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol phytosterols that are derived from soy. Additionally, for cholesterol we have the power herbal team of artichoke leaf extract and guggul to consider. These ingredients also address the high levels of the ‘bad’ cholesterol which are known to increase risk of heart attack and stroke. Some studies have shown these two herbals have lowered cholesterol by 14-27% within a 12-week period.

Lastly on our list is Red Yeast Rice. As of recent we have had physicians recommending this as an approach before prescribing the statin prescription drugs. Red yeast rice is a substance that’s extracted from rice that’s been fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It’s been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries as a traditional medicine.

This article is for information only Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without consulting with your healthcare practitioner.