We usually think of the word vitamin in conjunction with good health. They’re nutrients you body needs to function properly. But some vitamins are more beneficial than others and work harder in promoting good health.
Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. You want it to stay strong – especially considering that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. There are vitamins that can specifically promote heart health.
Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is a vitamin that your body needs in order to produce hemoglobin, which is what carries the oxygen throughout the blood to reach your body’s organs efficiently. Vitamin B6 can help maintain a normal range of blood sugar levels, too.
Foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 are chicken breasts, oatmeal, pork loin, ready to eat cereals and roast beef. Some vegetable choices are Avocados, soybeans, lima beans and Garbanzo beans. Bananas are another choice for vitamin B6 consumption.
Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of the red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Low vitamin B12 levels can result in anemia and neuropathy. Neuropathy is the degeneration of the nerve fibers, which can cause various forms of nerve damage.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper blood flow and making sure each organ (including the heart) receives what it needs. The heart can’t pump blood efficiently without red blood cell production. Foods rich in vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs. Lesser-known items are soy products, seaweed and algae products.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is a vitamin that protects your body’s cells from free radicals, which is what contributes to certain types of cancer. It’s also good for helping lower cholesterol so that blood can flow freely to and from your heart.
Foods that are rich in vitamin E are almonds, sunflower nuts, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanut butter. Vegetables that are high in vitamin E are spinach and broccoli. Fruit choices would be kiwi and mango.
Recommended intake of vitamin E for both men and women is 15 mg. a day. This is what’s needed for the development of a healthy heart. Children should consume about 7mg. daily for 4 year olds and up and 6mg. for the toddlers that are 1-3 years old.
Eating a healthy diet and exercising can promote a healthier heart. Sometimes, they aren’t quite enough to get your heart going. Vitamins can help kick start it so that it can function longer and you can live a longer healthier life.
