There have been a lot of discussions recently about the efficacy of multivitamins when it comes to promoting heart health. For many, taking a multivitamin has become a standard part of their daily routine. But the truth is that the general concept that multivitamins and supplements in the form of pills benefit your heart health is wrong. A new study on multivitamins and heart health reinforces what medical experts have been saying for years: they don’t do much to prevent cardiovascular disease. So what should you do if you want to maintain a healthy heart? Let’s take a look at some other strategies that have been proven to be effective.
Americans are making dietary supplementation a cornerstone of their wellness routines. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, an impressive 76% of Americans use vitamins and minerals daily - 42% for general health maintenance and 26% for heart health!
The research, published in the journal Circulation, examined data from over 2 million people and found no link between multivitamin use and reduced risk for heart disease or stroke. This is no surprise to medical experts who have long suspected that taking a daily multivitamin does nothing more than give people a false sense of security about their health.
The JAMA study was conducted over 12 years and included 6,000 people aged 65 or older. Half of the participants took a daily multivitamin, while the other half - took a placebo. The participants were then monitored for major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and death from coronary artery disease. In the end, the results showed no significant difference.
A meta-analysis of 179 studies on dietary supplements published by The Journal Of American College Of Cardiology came to the same conclusion. This study emphasizes the importance of nutrition derived from food in maintaining desirable cardiovascular outcomes.
How can we maintain a good heart condition?
Follow a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy is still the best way to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health – not just heart health but overall wellness too! A well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining good heart health. Eating whole foods like grains, nuts, legumes, and lean meats will help ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need without relying on multivitamins.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy heart. Regular physical activity helps increase your circulation, lowers your blood pressure, and strengthens your heart muscles. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day—such as walking, swimming, or biking—or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It’s also important to incorporate strength training into your workout routine at least twice a week, but pay attention to contraindications if you receive any from your doctor.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is just as crucial for your physical health as it is for your mental health. Getting enough sleep helps reduce stress levels and boosts immunity. Adequate sleep—around seven hours per night for adults over 18—also helps keep your weight in check and lowers cholesterol levels. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try limiting caffeine intake after 2 pm and avoid using screens before bedtime.
Heart health is something we should all take seriously. Thankfully, we can do many things to keep our hearts healthy without relying on multivitamins. Eating nutrient-dense foods is still the best way to keep your body healthy and functioning optimally. Incorporating regular exercise into our routines and getting adequate sleep - all we need from natural sources rather than supplements or medications. By following these guidelines, we can maintain good heart health without putting our bodies at risk with unnecessary supplementation!