3 Best Herbs for Heart Health,
 Three herbs in particular that are her favorite to use on a regular basis for heart health. (Technically, two herbs and a spice, but all come from plants and are easy to integrate into your diet.). But it isn’t just the starring ingredients on your plate that can help; supportive herbs can play a role,

3 Best Herbs for Heart Health,

1. Garlic: Packed with copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, germanium, and especially selenium,”

2. Cayenne pepper: high in antioxidants. “Cayenne pepper is loaded with vitamins C, B, A, and E and contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron,”

3. Hawthorn: Contains powerful antioxidants in both its flowers and leaves, and it supports your heart primarily by reducing inflammation,” 

See Original Article: These Are the 3 Best Herbs for Heart Health, According to a Certified Nutritionis

Every time you make a conscious effort to fill up on foods like fish, veggies, fruit, nuts, and whole grains, you’re taking a step toward protecting your heart. But it isn’t just the starring ingredients on your plate that can help; supportive herbs can play a role, too. In her new book Radical Longevity: The Powerful Plan To Sharpen Your Brain, Strengthen Your Body, and Reverse the Symptoms of Aging ($25), certified nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, (who herself is 70 and in good health) highlights three herbs in particular that are her favorite to use on a regular basis for heart health. (Technically, two herbs and a spice, but all come from plants and are easy to integrate into your diet.)

1. Garlic

Garlic isn’t just full of flavor; Dr. Gittleman says it’s packed with heart-healthy benefits, too. “Garlic contains a wide range of trace minerals, including copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, germanium, and especially selenium,” Dr. Gittleman says. “In addition, it contains sulfur compounds, vitamins A and C, fiber, and various amino acids. In all, garlic provides more than 100 biologically useful chemicals.” Yep, all that in a spice you already have in your pantry.

When it comes to heart health, Dr. Gittleman says garlic has been shown to help prevent blood clots and is linked to lowering cholesterol.

 

2. Cayenne pepper

Another herb Dr. Gittleman cooks with regularly for both flavor and heart-healthy benefits is cayenne pepper, which she says is high in antioxidants. “Cayenne pepper is loaded with vitamins C, B, A, and E and contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron,” she says. “One of the richest sources of vitamin E, cayenne helps keep the heart healthy and strong.” Vitamin E is directly linked to lowering the risk of heart disease and since cayenne pepper is high in the nutrient, it’s one major reason why it’s so good for your heart.

While cayenne pepper tastes great with veggies, one of Dr. Gittleman’s favorite ways to use it is to actually put it in her coffee. Talk about a morning kick!

3. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is less well-known than garlic and cayenne pepper, but it’s an herb Dr. Gittleman highly recommends adding to your heart-healthy list. In fact, she says it’s the number-one herb for heart health there is. “It contains powerful antioxidants in both its flowers and leaves, and it supports your heart in many different ways, primarily by reducing inflammation,” she says.

Dr. Gittleman says hawthorn was first used in the first century for treating cardiac diseases and for strengthening the heart muscle. “Due to its antioxidant profile, hawthorn helps to decrease cholesterol, and it inhibits plaque buildup, lowers blood pressure, and dilates coronary vessels, which improves blood flow and increases blood supply to the heart,” she says.

A good way to consume hawthorn, according to Dr. Gittleman, is having it as a tea. If you can’t find hawthorn tea at a store near you, you can buy it online from brands including MagJo Naturals ($10), Traditional Medicinals ($29 for a pack of six), and Alvita ($9).

Of course, these herbs for heart health are just one part of the equation; it’s still important to eat nutrient-rich foods and work movement regularly into your days. But when all these pieces come together, protecting your heart becomes a lot less, er, puzzling. And besides, they’ll add more flavor to your life, too—it’s a win-win!

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