Heart Life

Did you know that a simple extract from a certain tree might be able to extend the lives of some patients with congestive heart failure?

A two-year placebo controlled trial with nearly three thousand patients was recently conducted in Germany.

The patients took either a placebo, which is a sugar pill, or a pill with the tree extract in it. The results were incredibly positive. Those taking the tree extract were alive nearly 2 years later. Researchers found this to be incredibly meaningful, as congestive heart failure is one of the leading causes of death.

So what was the pill extracted from? It's the hawthorn tree, and it was shown to be perfectly safe in all of the patients tested. Hawthorn is part of the rose family and is a powerful antioxidant that seems to have a particular effect for the heart, as this study indicates. Its been used for centuries in Europe, most recently for the treatment of heart failure.

Hawthorn berry is a natural ACE inhibitor and can dilate blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure. The improved circulation it provides helps to increase the blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, lowering the risk of angina. Its antioxidant properties are believed to reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the fatty buildup of plaque in the arteries. It's no wonder that European physicians have used this natural product for so long.

But its not the only good natural supplement for the heart. Most people by now know about CoEnzyme Q10, a compound that increases the energy production in the heart. This is a must-have supplement for those taking cholesterol-lowering medications, as these drugs tend to deplete the body of CoQ10.

Potassium and magnesium are standard minerals used for heart support. In addition to regulating the heartbeat, these two minerals act as diuretics and may lower blood pressure.

B-6, B-12, and Betaine are vitamins that doctors routinely prescribe to help lower homocysteine, a substance that may promote plaque buildup.

Ginger Root is also commonly used for cardiovascular health. This common spice tends to make platelets less sticky, which decreases the risk of abnormal clotting. This is a great way to help prevent stroke and heart attack.

Isn't it time we started looking at the safe, effective and inexpensive nutrients to help ensure our heart health?

Want more information about these and other heart-healthy nutrients? Call my office or visit the Heart Life web page.

I'm Guy Evans and now you know!