Although it is widely believed that vitamins can be supplied to the body by supplements, doctors recommend that we obtain certain vitamins from food. Including those crucial for heart health.
The ideal vitamin for heart health
According to cardiologist Bradley Serwer, a well-balanced diet is vitally important to overall heart health and function. There are many vitamin deficiencies that can weaken the heart, enlarge it, or lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Here is the vitamin that the quoted specialist recommends with all conviction. He believes that we must constantly make sure that we have it on our plate.
Vitamin D helps the heart a lot, according to an American cardiologist
Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure, inflammation, and vascular function, Dr. Serwer explains. In fact, doctors recommend that people up to age 70 consume 15 mcg of vitamin D daily. Those over 71 should increase their daily intake of vitamin D to 20 mcg.
What effects does vitamin D have on the heart?
According to the US National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods—either naturally or in foods fortified with this vitamin (such as some cereals). The sun also produces vitamin D.
Also recognized for its benefits in bone health, this vitamin is proven to help regulate blood pressure. It acts on the endothelial cells that connect blood vessels and smooth muscle cells. These in turn support blood flow.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risks of heart disease as well as hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides). According to a 2017 study, a higher value of vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular incidents. Here are the main signs that you have a healthy heart.
Sources of vitamin D and how you can include them in your diet
This vitamin is found in many foods, including salmon, trout, eggs, mushrooms and milk. For example, you can serve salmon with mushrooms for dinner. Combine leftovers from dinner with scrambled eggs the next day for breakfast. You can also add a glass of milk.
Also, to ensure your vitamin D needs, you can spend more time outside. A 2021 study showed that exposing your arms, hands, face, and legs to the sun for 5 to 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. could help get enough vitamin D.
Although vitamin D supplements are very affordable, experts do not recommend them for heart health.
They cite research showing that vitamin D supplements do not help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with low vitamin D levels. The basic approach remains nutrition, emphasizes Dr. Serwer. A
Other nutrients with beneficial effects on heart health
However, one nutrient alone is not enough to reduce the risk of heart disease. That is why an intake of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is also necessary. This helps to lower homocysteine levels in the blood, a process associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, the specialist also notes.
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