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Vitamins Supplements And Heart Disease – The Homocysteine Connection
You probably have heard of amino acids, and know they are the building blocks of proteins. Most amino acids are friendly to your body and they have been used for years by physical fitness enthusiasts to both maintain and build strong muscles. But when it comes to amino acids there seems to be a fly in the ointment and that fly is a hostile amino acid known as a homocysteine. Homocysteines are released when protein rich foods are digested. The idea that this particular amino acid could be linked to heart and artery disease is starting to gain traction with 15 studies in recent years linking homocysteine levels to the increased risk of heart disease. As of today the research has yet to reveal the exact cause but it is thought that these amino acids damage the interior lining of the arteries and blood vessels, triggering blood clots, and facilitating the development of arterial plaque (cholesterol, dead cells, and calcium) deposits. Vitamin supplements and heart disease – Managing homocysteines Believe it or homocysteine levels can be managed effectively through diet and/or vitamin supplementation. Let’s look at what the American Medical Association has to say about these three vitamins which seem to be the most effective. *Folic acid: A water soluble B vitamin essential to growth and cell repair. Adequate folic acid is essential for a healthy pregnancy, DNA and RNA synthesis, and building red blood cells. A combination of folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 can reduce the blood level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is associated with an increased risk of diseases related to heart and blood vessels. Foods high in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, oatmeal, peanut butter, soybean, and wheat germ. *Vitamin B6: B6 assists the body in the use of protein. It is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, promotes a healthy heart and blood vessels, helps regulate the nervous system, maintains healthy skin, and is important to a healthy pregnancy. Foods high in B6 include fish, whole grain breads, peas, beans, and low fat dairy products. *B12: B12 is necessary for the healthy development of red blood cells. This vitamin is important to a healthy pregnancy, cardiovascular health, normal function of the nervous system, memory and brain health, and supplying energy to the body. Foods high in B12 include fish, legumes, dairy products, red meat, and poultry. As you can see vitamin supplements for heart disease makes a lot of sense, especially when combined with a heart healthy diet, daily exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding cigarette smoke. Additionally, many people how found that by adding a natural cholesterol reduction supplement they have been able to achieve even better results in their fight against this potentially deadly foe. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com |
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