February is Heart Health month. It is also a month where we are seeing constant reminders about our hearts as we are surrounded by them with regard to Valentines Day. So why not use that reminder as a way to tune in to our own hearts, and focus on how we can optimize our own heart health.
There are many things we can do in our everyday lives to support our hearts. The importance of eating a well balanced diet, one that is optimized for our personal bodies, and making sure we have regular intentional movement each day is a reminder we can all use. Especially when confronted by a holiday that centers around sharing chocolates and candy with our loved ones. A reminder of moderation is also useful here!
In addition to these basics, there are some other ways we can help support or optimize our heart health – Herbs! I have several favorites, and many are easy to incorporate already in our diets, as they are staples in many houses.
My 9 favorite herbs for the heart are:
- Garlic – Garlic may be my absolute favorite of all time! Likely because of my Italian heritage, and how much it is used in our household diet. But, with regards to heart health, it is a great staple to keep on hand and incorporate into food to help support your heart. It can help optimize cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve circulation…in addition to all the other immune supportive health effects it has as well!
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon can be beneficial for heart health through the effects it has on lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also helpful in supporting optimal levels of blood sugar and protecting against diabetes.
- Ginger – Ginger helps to reduce high blood pressure through its vasodilation effects. This helps relieve pressure on the heart (and the rest of the body’s organs) so it can function more optimally.
- Curcumin – This substance is found in Turmeric. It helps to decrease inflammation and lower cholesterol. It can also help reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots.
- Bilberry – Bilberry, or most species of berries actually, can be incredibly beneficial to heart health through their anthocyanin constituents. These help to strengthen vascular walls and improve circulatory health. The antioxidant support is also beneficial.
- Hibiscus – Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, like bilberry, which help destroy harmful free radicals in the body. It can help decrease inflammation, and also lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Motherwort – Motherwort is a lovely herb to help support a racing heart from nervous tension. It can also help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decrease clot formation, and help strengthen the heart muscle.
- Hawthorn – Hawthorn contains bioflavonoid constituents, which are rich in antioxidant compounds. These help to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. They can also be beneficial in helping with the removal of fatty deposits, and decreasing blood pressure through helping blood vessels dilate.
- Cacao – Cacao contains a constituent called flavonol. These substances can help support vascular health and also have been found to increase nitric oxide availability, which helps to decrease oxidative stress and damage to the heart. So that little bit of chocolate on Valentines Day (so long as it is rich in cacao) might actually contribute to supporting your heart health!
It is always important to work with foods and herbs that are best suited to your individual body. If you’d like more information on a formula to support your own heart health, or to learn more about the best ways to incorporate heart healthy foods in your diet, reach out to our office (or your own local ND) and we’ll help you find the combination best for you!