Our heart is the most valuable organ we have and is absolutely essential for your body's overall health. There are certain nutrients that are extra important for your heart health. While your main focus should always be on getting most of the vitamins and minerals you need through a healthy diet, supplements offer a way for your body and heart to get all the amazing additional nutrients that may be lacking. We spoke to Hello Day’s resident Nutritionist Lily Soutter to find out which 3 key nutrients can help show your heart some love this Heart Month…
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for your health and well-being – including your heart’s. Your heart depends on a variety of different nutrients to function at its best.
Ideally, we can get most of what we need from a balanced diet. However, studies show that the typical Western diet tends to be rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and salt, and low on antioxidants and vitamins. This diet has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease.[1] What's particularly lacking are foods rich in critical nutrients such as magnesium and essential omega 3 fats[2], all of which play a crucial role in the health of your heart.
Lily comments: “It’s easy to take our heart health for granted, but by making a few simple tweaks to our diet and lifestyle we can support our cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of disease. There is a wealth of research to suggest that a Mediterranean way of eating may support a healthy heart, which may be due to the high content of antioxidants, fibre-rich wholegrains, omega-3 and monounsaturated fats within the diet.”
Omega-3 – “Healthy Fats”
Omega 3 fats are essential within the diet for supporting a healthy heart. These fats play a positive role in maintaining normal blood triglyceride levels and even blood pressure[1]. Oily fish is a rich source of omega-3, however, in the UK both adults and children consume well below the recommended intake.[2] Supplementing is a great option if you know you're not getting enough omega 3 in your diet. If opting for a vegan omega 3 supplement always check the label for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is in a form our body recognises and utilises well.
Explore Minami’s tailored range of Omega-3 supplements to support muscle function, heart and immune health.
For a vegan alternative, try Hello Day’s Vegan Omega 3, which uses a 100% sustainable, ethically sourced, vegan Schizochytrium, a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Magnesium – the “Master Mineral”
It is estimated that up to 80% of adults are magnesium deficient, yet it is an essential mineral which is often referred to as the “master mineral” due to its involvement in more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body. A study, published in the British Medical Journal, shows that magnesium plays an important role in cardiovascular health, however the western diet is often low in magnesium due to the refining and processing of food.[1] Eating plenty of magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains and dark green, leafy vegetables can help you get the right amount of this mineral. Another option is to take a magnesium supplement.
Discover Terranova’s Magnesium 100mg Complex, a holistic innovation developed by that utilises whole, unadulterated, phyto-rich foods and botanicals. It includes Avena Sativa, Nettle & Pumpkin Seed with Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate Magnesium Complex.
Vitamin D – the “Sunshine Vitamin"
Recently lots of studies have emerged hailing vitamin D as a possible defence against a long list of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, depression, and even the common cold. While most of us know its importance for our immunity, recent studies have also found that vitamin D deficiency can increase blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.[1] The British Heart Foundation recommends that everyone take a supplement containing 10 micrograms (10 μg, equivalent to 400 IU) of vitamin D daily in autumn and winter.
Check out Nutri Advanced’s emulsified liquid vitamin D3 formula. Available in liquid form, it provides 1000IU per drop and comes in a pleasant-tasting natural orange flavour.