Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in every four deaths in the United States.REF#1132 This staggering statistic highlights the need for individuals to take proactive steps toward improving heart health to lower the risk of heart failure and disease and live a healthy life.
How Can You Make Your Heart Stronger Naturally?
While many factors contribute to heart disease, such as age, gender, and family history, there are also several modifiable risk factors that individuals can work to improve.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are three major risk factors within an individual's control. Making healthy choices and leading a heart-healthy lifestyle by managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels through diet and exercise can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease.
Prioritize self-care, even if only for a few minutes a day. Ease your nervous system and calm your heart with meditation. Take time to exercise and go on walks. If you can, get your heart rate pumping with 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.
9 Herbs for Heart Health
A healthy heart is the foundation of a healthy body and mind. Optimizing heart health is essential for overall well-being and longevity.
Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep are the best ways to improve cardiovascular health. However, incorporating heart-healthy herbs into your routine can be another natural way to support heart health.REF#1147
While herbs and supplements can provide numerous benefits, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and ensure that they do not counteract medication or pre-existing medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before adding new dietary supplements or herbal medicines.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the Rosaceae family. The earliest records declared the Hawthorn tree as a symbol of love. It has a long history of bringing comfort to a grieving heart and can help you connect to the energy of your heart.*
Hawthorn extracts have been well-researched to support heart function and cardiovascular health.* The compounds in Hawthorn work together to support coronary blood flow and provide antioxidant protection to the heart.REF#1133
Gaia Herbs offers herbal products containing Hawthorn, such as our Hawthorn Supreme Capsules, Hawthorn Supreme Extract, and Turmeric Supreme Heart Health. These herbal products include Hawthorn grown on the Gaia Farm in Brevard, North Carolina.
Turmeric
A spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains the active ingredient Curcumin, which has potent soothing and antioxidant properties that may benefit heart health.REF#1134
Curcumin can help soothe scar tissue, support healthy heart tissue, and support the heart wall's thickness, which is vital for maintaining proper heart function.REF#1135
Turmeric reduces irritation in the heart tissue, supporting overall heart health.REF#1135 Turmeric extract can also support healthy levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.REF#1136
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Heart Health combines Turmeric with other herbal extracts to support healthy cardiovascular function.* Resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed, Hawthorn, and Coleus all supply flavonoid compounds to support the health of both the heart and vascular system.*
Green Tea
Blood with high levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease. Clinical studies have shown that Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) has some of the highest antioxidant activity of any known plant. It can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, making it a powerful ally in fighting free radicals and oxidative stress.REF#1137
Gaia Herbs' Green Tea for Energy Support harnesses the benefits of certified Organic Green Tea leaves extracted and concentrated to provide the full spectrum of natural phytochemicals in green tea leaves.*REF#1138
Olive Leaf
Numerous pharmacological studies conducted in vitro focus on the heart-healing benefits of Olive Leaf (Olea europaea). This small evergreen tree is a member of the Oleaceae family that shows promise in supporting cardiovascular health.
Along with supporting immune function, Olive leaf extract may lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of arterial damage, and may also help to support healthy blood clotting.* The presence of certain compounds, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, can also have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.REF#1139
The antioxidants in Olive Leaf may help support heart health by protecting the body from free radical damage.* Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals to protect the heart and the cardiovascular system.
Gaia Herbs’ gently concentrated Olive Leaf supplement can be a natural and effective way to support heart health and immunity. It's a superior-quality extract containing compounds that have beneficial properties. These properties can help to support the body's natural defense against infections and other harmful pathogens.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a genus of the Malvaceae or Mallow family. In some countries, it is often called Red Sorrel. Studies suggest that extracts of Hibiscus may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range.REF#1140
Hibiscus has numerous cardiovascular benefits. Hibiscus tea can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help support long-term cardiovascular wellness.REF#1140
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and has soothing properties, which can protect the heart and support healthy blood clotting. Hibiscus may also support healthy blood sugar levels and encourage a healthy metabolism.REF#1140
Served hot or over ice, brighten any day with our delightful Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea. Naturally sweet tasting, this tea has a tangy kick and a light citrus fragrance from Mandarin Orange Peel essential oil.
Garlic
Recognized for its numerous health benefits, Garlic (Allium sativum) contains compounds such as allicin, which have antioxidant and soothing properties.*
These compounds can help support blood flow to the heart, support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and support healthy blood clotting.REF#1141
Ginseng
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its potential health benefits, Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is believed to have protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Ginseng promotes the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and supports blood flow. This process supports endothelial function, healthy blood pressure levels, and heart health. It can also support healthy levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.REF#1142
Gaia Herbs' Ginseng Supreme supplement is a high-quality blend of ginseng, including American Ginseng, Eleuthero, and Asian Ginseng, to support stamina and vitality.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant used for centuries in traditional medicine. Ginger contains compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, which have soothing and antioxidant properties.REF#1143
Ginger can significantly support healthy blood triglyceride levels and blood pressure levels, as well as support overall heart function.REF#1143
Gaia Herbs Ginger Supreme is a high-quality supplement that supports a healthy immune response, digestive and cardiovascular health, and circulation.*
Cinnamon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a spice derived from the inner bark of trees native to Sri Lanka and southern India. It contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which have soothing antioxidant properties.REF#1144
One study found that taking cinnamon supplements for 12 weeks contributed to healthy blood triglyceride levels, a significant risk factor for heart disease.REF#1145
In a meta-analysis of clinical trials, individuals who took cinnamon had healthier cholesterol levels compared to those who received a placebo.REF#1146
Gaia Herbs Cinnamon Bark supplement is made from pure, organic cinnamon and can support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.*
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Gaia Herbs' expertly formulated heart-supporting products are made with organic, natural, and sustainably sourced ingredients. This practice ensures you get the highest quality, most effective supplement possible while supporting our planet's health.
With Gaia Herbs, you can trust that you're getting quality supplements and teas backed by science and a commitment to sustainability.
Small steps can make a significant impact on your wellness journey! Along with a healthy lifestyle, incorporating heart-healthy herbs can support your cardiovascular system and overall well-being.*
REFERENCES:
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- 11. Cerdá, Begoña, Javier Marhuenda, Raúl Arcusa, Débora Villaño, Purificación Ballester, and Pilar Zafrilla. 2022, "Ginger in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases", Current Topics in Functional Food, October. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/81434 11
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- 13. Maierean, S. M., Serban, M. C., Sahebkar, A., Ursoniu, S., Serban, A., Penson, P., Banach, M., & Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group (2017), "The effects of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis", Journal of clinical lipidology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28887086/ 13
- 14. Qian Zhou, Xingxing lei, Shunlian Fu, Zinan Li, Yiding Chen, Cong Long, Suwen Li, and Qui Chen (2022), "Efficacy of Cinnamon Supplementation on Glycolipid Metabolism in T2DM Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis and Systemic Review", Frontiers in Physiology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.960580/full 14
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