KARDIO KARE  NEWS
The Heart Herbs:
Six phytonutrients you can't beat!

The human heart beats 100,00 times and pumps up to20,000 litres of blood every single day. Yet being such a busy, vital little organ doesn't necessarily mean we give it the attention it deserves! despite the fact that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading preventable causes of death in North America, most of us simply don't provide all the support our hearts may need through proper nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and supplement choices.

Cardiovascular disease is a general term for any decline or defect in the heart muscle and surrounding arteries and tissues. The most common type of cardiovascular disease is what's known as atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become coated on the inside with plaque (example cholesterol). It narrows the opening inside the arteries, increases blood pressure and may eventually lead to a blockage. Other conditions generally included in cardiovascular disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure,  congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Diet, physical activity and certain nutrients have been shown to go a long way toward improving heart function and cardiovascular health in general. In fact, many health and nutrition experts believe that heart disease is often preventable . The  information below details some of the top herbs and phytonutrients that have a role in improving cardiovascular health.

Garlic
No heart-healthy supplement plan would be complete without this age-old remedy. Residents of Italy and Spain, where garlic is used liberally in food, boast one of the lowest rates of atherosclerosis. Scientists have found that garlic makes the cells involved in blood clotting (platelets) less likely to clump together and stick to the artery walls. Evidence also reveals that garlic dissolves certain proteins needed for plaque formation. Garlic's heart benefits don't tend to end there: many studies show this herb can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For a wide-spectrum heart supplement, it's hard to beat garlic!

Cayenne
While  many people use cayenne (Capsicum) for its pain-relieving properties,  this fiery spice also has much to offer those concerned about heart health. Cayenne also contains more vitamin C than oranges!

Hawthorn
Another top-rated heart herb, hawthorn is one of the most widely prescribed heart remedies in Europe. Many historical civilizations - from ancient Greeks to the North American Indians - considered hawthorn an all-purpose cardio protective herb. Hawthorn is known to dilate blood vessels for increased blood flow. Another benefit of hawthorn is the group of flavonoid and OPC ( Oligomeric Procyanadins)).  These powerful antioxidants protect the arteries from damaging free radicals (oxidants) in the blood.

Bilberry
Also rich in antioxidant compounds, bilberry shares hawthorn's artery-protecting action. But this herb - popular for improving vision problems - has benefits that go beyond the arteries. Bilberry is known as a general tonic for improving circulation and vascular disorders, especially in the small vessels and capillaries. Most of the benefits associated with bilberry derive from another type of flavonoid called anthocyanidins. These compounds can help boost oxygen supply throughout the vascular networks of the cardiovascular system. Other research indicates possible benefits for bilberry in atherosclerosis .

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is known as the "memory herb" because it can increase circulation in the small capillaries that feed the brain while also exerting antioxidant protection. But ginkgo's benefits don't stop at the brain - the heart may also benefit from increased circulation and the "scrubbing" of damaging free radicals. Ginkgo works by relaxing blood vessels and therefore increasing blood flow. Research on ginkgo show promise in speeding recovery and reversing damage from certain types of strokes.

Grape Seed Extract
Oxidation from free radicals is a major concern in cardiovascular disease. These unstable oxygen molecules damage the lining of the arteries. While many of the herbs mentioned above have antioxidant properties, none is as rich as Grape Seed Extract in OPC content. As one of  the richest sources of OPC's, grape seed has been show in clinical studies to prevent damage to the arteries, to lower cholesterol levels and to reduce cholesterol deposits on the artery walls. One recent study confirms that grape seed extract is one of the most potent antioxidants around: it reduced free radical production by 70 per cent compared to a placebo. With such amazing cardiovascular benefits,  it's easy to understand why these herbs are among the most popular with regard to heart health. Supporting the cardiovascular system though antioxidant protection, improved circulation and reduce cholesterol are all positive steps toward prevention and healing from heart disease. Look for these phytonutrients separately or in a liquid combination for optimum effect. However, remember that cardiovascular disease is a serious disorder and any treatment plan should be discussed with a professional health care provider.

Sources:
The Super Antioxidants by J Balch, BC, Evans 1998;
Practical Guide to Natural Medicines by A Pierce, Stonesong: 1999;
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by M Murray, ND & J Pizzorno, ND, 2nd Ed, Prima: 1998;
Gen Pharmacol by 1998 May, 30(5)771-6;
The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs Readers Digest: 1999.