Healthy heart nutrients
C omplementary
can navigate with your health practitioner. Recently another promising nutrient emerged. Long known for its role as a coagulant, researchers have discovered a specific version of vitamin K, vitamin K2 as MK-7, is a strong cardiovascular ally. Research has shown vitamin K2 as MK-7 helpsmaintain and use calcium in the bones. Calcium not used by bone-building cells can accumulate in the arteries and soft tissues, contributing to cardiovascular disease.
in the bones and away from your arteries. Amid the bounty of recent research on MK-7, one 2015 study stands out. Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands monitored 244 healthy post-menopausal women for three years using pulse wave velocity and ultrasound techniques. The participants, aged 55-65 years, were randomly assigned to take a nutritional dose (180mcg) of a specific form of vitamin K2 as MK-7, called MenaQ7®, daily for three years, or placebo capsules. After three years, the outcome was amazing. Vitamin K2 as MK-7 not only inhibited age-related stiffening of the artery walls, it improved vascular elasticity. The Stiffness Index ß in the MK-7 13.0 group decreased significantly compared to the slight increase in the placebo group. Results confirmed vitamin K2 intake is linked to cardiovascular risk and a nutritional dose of vitamin K2 does promote cardiovascular health. Vitamin K2 delivers vital cardiovascular support, and in a recent study that used MenaQ7®, the MK-7 worked well with other nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin C. This is important since taking a variety of supplements improves our prospects for cardiovascular health. Two options to consider are magnesium and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol Ubiquinol is a more advanced form of coenzymeQ10, the heart’s energy source. Research shows the body can absorb ubiquinol five to eight times more readily
nutrients like vitamin K2 and coenzyme Q10 can be game-changers for those seeking to improve their cardiovascular health. Leading cardiologist, Dr Ross Walker investigates. Smart supplements can help keep your heart healthy, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. Cardiovascular disease claims more than 17 million lives annually throughout the world. In Australia someone has a heart attack every 10 minutes, with one-third of men and half of women having at least one risk factor for heart disease. The great news is that probably close to 90 percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease are preventable. Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily; maintaining a healthy diet and reducing destructive daily habits, such as smoking or drinking, all count towards keeping our hearts healthy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Look for lean meats, fish high in omega 3 such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and trout, and avoid too much salt and sugar. Smart supplements Seeking out smart supplements also plays an integral role in maintaining heart health with many good options you
Smart supplements can help keep your heart
Vitamin K2 as MK-7 helps puts calcium where it belongs. Think of MK-7 as the body’s light switch. It activates or “turns on” important proteins in the body, such as osteocalcin for strong bones and the matrix Gla protein (MGP) for heart health. By activating these K-dependent proteins, vitamin K2 helps keep calcium healthy, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
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ISSUE 63 • 2022
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