5 Nutrients That Promote Optimal Heart Health (Some May Shock You)*

There's plenty of advice out there about how to care for your heart, but much of it is vague. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are givens—but how can we dive a little deeper to ensure we're really, truly supporting our heart? 

OK, OK—so this particular group of nutrients and its comprehensive heart-health benefits don't exactly come as a shock (omega-3s are acclaimed supporters of the cardiovascular system, after all). But these fatty acids are majorly underconsumed by Americans and deserve our attention regardless—they're true powerhouses when it comes to supporting a healthy heart.

Omega-3s help to bolster vascular function and promote healthy blood pressure levels. In fact, high doses of marine omega-3s (i.e., at least 800 milligrams of EPA + DHA per serving) from fish oil supplements are linked to positive cardiovascular health outcomes1.

What's methylation, you ask? And what does it have to do with the heart? Well, methylation is a vital biochemical process that involves the transfer of methyl groups to and from various bioactive compounds in the body.

Vitamin C helps support heart health in various ways thanks to its potent antioxidant properties that help the essential vitamin quelch free radicals and combat oxidative stress.*

In addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, vitamin C supports endothelial function, vascular integrity3, blood vessel health, and even promotes healthy blood pressure levels4—all of which have profound impacts on not only cardiovascular health but longevity as well.* (The skin, joint, mood, and immune function benefits don't hurt, either.)* 

If you haven't heard about this incredible phytonutrient before, you're in for a treat! Found in grapes, wine, chocolate, and key botanicals (e.g., Japanese knotweed extract), researchers believe that resveratrol is the secret behind the French Paradox: the juxtaposition of the standard French diet, which is high in saturated fats (*cough cough* butter) and red wine, and the relatively low rates of heart-health concerns among the French population.

The scientific explanation for the French Paradox? Like vitamin C, resveratrol helps regulate healthy blood pressure levels5 and support vascular and endothelial function6.* Additionally, resveratrol has antioxidant properties that inhibit vascular oxidative stress7 and help maintain a healthy antioxidant balance.* 

Lycopene is another awesome longevity-promoting botanical from mbg's comprehensive multi that delivers heart-healthy effects8 when consumed via food (this phytonutrient is found primarily in tomatoes) and targeted supplementation.* Its cardioprotective actions include promoting healthy levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, modulating cytokine production, and supporting blood flow, while supplementation specifically has been tied to healthy blood pressure levels.*