Fats, CoQ10 & Antioxidants for Heart Health

Heart disease is a growing concern; as it is the leading cause of death in the United States, it is important for consumers to educate themselves on prevention and supplementation methods to decrease risk of heart attack. Most people think heart disease only affects the elderly; however, according to the American Heart Association, it causes more than 160,000 deaths in people between the ages of 35 and 64 years each year.

Nutritional choices and exercise habits can heavily impact the health of cholesterol levels. Consumers are beginning to learn that cholesterol is not inherently a bad thing. For example, the body naturally produces cholesterol in the liver to support brain health. In addition, consumers are learning about the benefits of natural fats over hydrogenated trans fats. For example, omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) promote normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels and maintain normal blood pressure. CoQ10 supports healthy cardiovascular function by helping produce energy within the mitochondria of cells, and vitamin C has been researched for its value in supporting a healthy cholesterol metabolism in part by protection from low-density lipoprotien (LDL) oxidation. Heart disease symptoms are also tied to free radical damage, or oxidative stress. When antioxidant levels are lower than those of free radicals due to nutrition and other lifestyle factors, oxidation damages cells by breaking down tissue and overloading the immune system. Antioxidants such as grapeseed extract, vitamins A, C and E, and phytonutrients like turmeric help lower the immune system’s overactive response by fighting free radical damage. The antioxidants help dissolve free radicals that can damage cells and tissue, which means fewer triggers for inflammation.

If consumers educate themselves and implement preventative methods for heart disease, they can reduce their risk and improve their cardiovascular health no matter their age.

For more information on nutritional choices for heart health, be sure to check out INSIDER's Innovating for Heart Health.

Jack Grogan is chief science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition. He is a recognized expert in hair mineral analysis, a valuable tool in determining the causes of nutritional imbalances or deficiencies. With experience in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, he has been influential in the development of hundreds of proprietary nutritional formulas and programs. Uckele Health & Nutrition is a health company committed to nutritional science and technology, and formulating and manufacturing a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances.