Supplementing for heart health isn’t a new concept, yet heart-specific conditions such as atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure are on the rise in the U.S. In addition to poor diet, there are other factors that can affect our heart health including emotional and physical stress. Eating a healthy whole food diet can help. However, our bodies need a little more support, which is where supplementation comes in.

Here are 5 food-based supplements we recommend for supporting this vital organ (that never stops working!) and help it to operate at its best.

Beet Powder

A diet rich in Nitric Oxide provides the heart with numerous benefits: normalizes blood pressure, improves heart health, supports healthy arteries, increases vein elasticity, and helps your cardio-vascular system achieve a healthy blood pressure. While the body makes Nitric Oxide, it’s extremely unstable and depletes quickly, requiring it to be replenished daily. One of the best sources of Nitric Oxide is found in food. We’re talking about beets! Eating organic beets and beet powder daily has been found to help the body maintain optimal levels of Nitric Oxide. While the positive effects of beet powder happen almost immediately, regular consumption has been found to produce lasting, long-term improvements in vasodilation, blood pressure, heart health, and athletic performance. Try this easy and delicious way to add Beet Powder to you your diet - Bountiful Beetroot Hummus feat. Beet Powder.

MSM

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally-occurring form of dietary sulfur that is vital to our bodily structure and function. Clinical trials have demonstrated the positive effects that can occur with MSM supplementation including muscle pain relief and recovery after strenuous activity or injury; and the ability to help our bodies adapt, heal, and recover from mental and emotional stress(1). MSM can be taken consumed or applied topically to the skin for transdermal absorption. The flakes are odorless and tasteless so they’re an easy addition to your favorite beverage such as our MSM Lemonade.

Maca Root

Antioxidants help to neutralize damaging free radicals, which can help prevent cell damage and ward off chronic illness and disease. Maca root is abundant in antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In addition, maca root has been shown to help decrease cholesterol, reduce blood sugar and improve triglycerides in the liver(2). It can also help with hormone regulation, which offers heart support benefits by proxy by relieving the physical and emotional stress responses that are commonly associated with hormonal imbalances. While there are several forms of maca, we recommend starting with a yellow maca or gelatinized maca. They are gentle and a great starting point. Maca can be added to a variety of your favorite recipes as a superfood supplement. Give our Cinnamon Chocolate Maca Bars a try and let us know what you think.

Shilajit

Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Also referred to as mineral pitch, the dark, sticky, tar-like substance is the natural outcome of plant matter and minerals that have been broken down over an extended period of time. Extremely high in its standout nutritional element, fulvic acid (and other minerals), it ranges in benefit from brain function to anti-aging, and heart health. A recent study demonstrated that subjects exposed to cardiac injury suffered less damage as a result of shilajit supplementation(3). Available in capsule or powder form it is commonly used in hot beverages such as a superfood elixir or decadent coffee concoction.

Turmeric Curcumin

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric and curcumin continue to rise as more and more people consume this extraordinarily healthful spice. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric, which is why they’re often grouped together but curcumin can also be extracted for enhanced benefit and potency in certain supplements. It is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic. The protective cardiovascular benefits are considerable and one study specifically stated that “...the effect of curcumin in decreasing serum cholesterol level may protect against the pathological changes occurring with atherosclerosis(4).” It may also prevent diabetic cardiovascular complications. This superfood is often used in middle-eastern cuisine but can also be added to your favorite smoothie and beverage concoction such as golden milk.

Bee Pollen

An extremely nutrient dense food, bee pollen contains up to 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, and 11 enzymes. We’re talking riboflavin, thiamin, biotin, folate, silica, selenium, zinc and so much more. In terms of heart health, rutin is the most significant. Rutin is a flavonoid antioxidant commonly found in citrus fruits and rinds, berries, and buckwheat pollen. It offers protective benefits to overall heart function, blood vessels, and capillaries. A quick and easy way to get a daily dose of bee pollen is in your favorite yogurt or smoothie recipe. Little note: if you have an allergy to pollen we highly advise your naturopathic physician before consuming bee pollen to be on the safe side.

Shop The Story 

Organic Beet Powder	Opti-MSM Flakes	MSM Capsules

Red Maca Powder	Maca Extreme	Raw Organic Maca Powder

Raw Shilajit Powder	Golden Milk Super Blend	Bee Pollen

Sources

(1) https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/03/03/msm-benefits.aspx (2) https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/ (3) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-014-9245-3 (4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.