Recent research indicates that long-term supplementation with antioxidants may boost heart health in a number of ways.
Daily supplements of vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium significantly increased the elasticity of arteries, decreased blood pressure, and improved levels of HDL cholesterol in people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, according to findings published in Nutrition & Metabolism.
Study participants, with an average age of 62, had high blood pressure, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol levels, or were smokers. Half received a placebo, and half received a daily antioxidant supplement containing 1000 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 120 mg coenzyme Q10 and 200 mcg selenium.
Six months later, the people in the antioxidant group showed a number of benefits:
• Significant increases in arterial elasticity index, a measure of the flexibility – and therefore the health – of blood vessels. No changes were observed in the placebo group.
• Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly; from 145.2 to 136.1 mmHg for systolic and from 78.4 to 75.0 mmHg for diastolic.
• Significant improvements were observed in HDL cholesterol levels for the antioxidant group, but not in the placebo group.
While this study was small, it follows previous studies indicating that vitamins C and E may protect DNA from damage, enhance antioxidant defenses and restore the health of the cells lining blood vessels, or endothelium. Researchers also say that studies have shown that selenium “provides significant protection of the coronary artery endothelium against damage by oxidative stress” and co-Q10 “improves endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients.”
By taking Basic Nutrient Support and Cardiovascular Support daily, you will be getting the antioxidants at levels near – or even above – those used in the study. And right now, you can get free or discounted products when you sign up for Personal Delivery Service on either of these two products. See the Monthly Specials Page for more details.
Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com
