Herbs and Spices for Your Heart

The heart is a muscular organ, about the size of a fist. It pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins called the cardiovascular system to the rest of the body. This blood provides the body with oxygen and nutrients, and helps in the removal of metabolic wastes.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 611,105 people die each year of heart disease.

Heart disease refers to problems that affect the structure and functioning of the heart as well as blood vessels.

Some common types of heart conditions include coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, atherosclerosis, angina, myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack), hypertensive heart disease, congenital heart disease, and peripheral artery disease.

The risk of developing heart problems increases with factors like excessive smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, aging, a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and excessive alcohol or caffeine intake.

Some common symptoms that may signal heart trouble include persistent coughing, chest discomfort, anxiety, fatigue, rapid or irregular pulse and shortness of breath.

As the heart functions 24×7, it is important to keep it healthy. Improved heart functioning depends highly on the quality of blood and blood flow.

A healthy, balanced diet and a healthy exercise regime can help you reach your goal. You can also incorporate certain herbs and spices into your diet to improve your heart health.

1. Garlic

Garlic is highly beneficial for heart health due to its anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antiplatelet properties.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has a compound called curcumin that possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin enhances cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of many diseases related to the heart.

Turmeric helps increase blood circulation and prevents blood clotting to prevent heart attacks. It even controls inflammation that can lead to heart disease. In addition, it prevents hardening of the arteries by inhibiting fat oxidation and lowering cholesterol.

3. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is another well-known herb for heart health. It helps in blood vessel dilation, which lowers blood pressure. It also increases blood flow to the heart and improves cardiac muscle contractions, thus leading to an overall stronger heart that functions better. In addition, its anti-arrhythmic effect helps steady the heartbea

4. Hibiscus

Followers of traditional medicine rely on hibiscus for the treatment of heart disease. Water extracts of hibiscus flowers affect atherosclerosis mechanisms, blood sugar, lipids and blood pressure. All these elements help improve overall heart health.

5. Cayenne

Cayenne contains capsaicin, which makes this spice a powerful antioxidant. It also has the potential to dilate blood vessels, combat oxidation and prevent blood clots