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Originally published April 29 2010

Heal and Prevent Heart Disease with Nutrition, Part IV

by Tony Isaacs

(NaturalNews) Previously we looked at some of the most essential vitamins and minerals for heart health. In today's concluding installment we will take a look at some other items which can help prevent and reverse heart disease, including the best herbs for the heart.

Cayenne has a wealth of cardiovascular benefits, including strengthening, stimulating and toning the heart, balancing circulation, and calming palpitations. For more information on this amazing heart healthy herb see:

"Cayenne Pepper is the King of Herbs"

Hawthorn, a favorite of famed Herbalist John Christopher, improves oxygen and blood supply and is rich in flavonoids that protect small capillary vessels from free-radical damage. Hawthorn has been used effectively for angina, arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis, blood clots, and hypertension. Best results are normally seen after a few months, but hawthorn is safe for long-term use.

Garlic inhibits bad cholesterol (LDL) production and raises the good kind (HDL). Garlic also lowers blood pressure, prevents blood platelet aggregation, and improves circulation

Pycnogenol is found to be more effective than buffered aspirin in reducing buildup of platelets in the arteries, a major risk factor in heart disease.

Cacao is a natural source of theobromine, long considered a heart tonic and mild stimulant. Cacao also contains epicatechin, a flavonol that improves the function of the blood vessels.

Cat's claw contains a variety of valuable phytochemicals that inhibit the processes involved in the formation of blood clots. It increases circulation and inhibits inappropriate clotting, helping prevent stroke and reducing the risk of heart attack.

Ginkgo has been shown in numerous studies to cause dilation and increase the blood flow in the arteries, capillaries and veins. In addition, it inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces blood clotting and helps protect our vascular walls from free-radical damage.

Ginger reduces cholesterol and blood pressure and also prevents blood clots. Similar to garlic, ginger interferes with the long sequence of events necessary for blood clots to form, helping prevent clots that can lodge in narrowed coronary arteries and set off a heart attack.



Alpha-lipoic acid works with other antioxidants in the body to increase their effectiveness against oxidative stress and helps keep arteries clear by preventing the LDL cholesterol from being incorporated into artery walls.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple. Bromelain may 'thin" the blood and help clear away debris from artery walls. One study demonstrated that bromelain relieves the pain of angina, which is associated with heart disease.

Essential fatty acids help prevent unnecessary blood clotting, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood pressure. They are found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, and flaxseed oil.

Pectin is a fiber found in grapefruit, apples and other fruits and vegetables which helps lower LDL cholesterol and sweeps away fatty plaque deposits from the artery walls.

Other herbs and supplements that are beneficial for the heart include iodine, motherwort, bilberry, arjuna, fo-ti, citrin, artichoke leaf extract, guggul, cordyceps, L-Carnitine, lecithin, taurine, activated charcoal, barberry, black cohosh, butcher's broom, dandelion, rosemary, chamomile, valerian root, kelp, kola, myrrh, psyllium, passion flower, saffron, skullcap, and tarragon.


In conclusion, many important foods and supplements can help prevent and heal heart disease. It should go without saying that a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, is also essential.

Sources for this segment included:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phyllis Balch

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