For many years, there has been a lot of attention given to antioxidants and how they help your body fight dangerous free radicals. When the power of antioxidants first came into the public eye, there was a frenzy of marketing and commercializing that tried to fuel this momentum and create supplements. We want to take this post and talk a bit about what antioxidants are, discuss the actual health of antioxidant supplements, and what habits you should form to start having a healthier heart.
Antioxidants and Heart Health
While there is some truth behind the positive effect of antioxidants on your heart, it’s always good to separate what is true from what is marketable. It is true that your body goes through a normal process of creating unpaired molecules called free radicals, and that these attack and damage cells in your body. It is also true that free radical counts increase due to a multitude of reasons, ranging from cigarette smoke to exercise.
Antioxidants are the naturally occurring molecules that are believed to neutralize free radicals, and increase your health, including heart health. These are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, especially the skin, and some beverages like wine and tea. Where researchers start to deviate is the impact that antioxidant supplements have in this relationship.
Supplements vs. Lifestyle
Studies have shown mixed results in how antioxidant supplements affect heart health, especially with vitamin E, but generally show little to no positive results. The American Heart Association recommends that rather than taking supplements, to adopt a healthy eating pattern that includes foods rich in antioxidants. This is a far healthier approach to antioxidants, and not only strengthens your heart but the rest of your body as well.
The Help You Need
If you have any questions about your heart health, or if your primary care physician recommends that you see a heart doctor, make an appointment with Sarasota’s leading heart doctor. Dr. Mathew, the premier electrophysiologist in Sarasota, has been performing AF ablation in the Tampa Bay area since 2004, and specializes in lead extraction and implanting pacemakers and defibrillators. Contact us to start strengthening your heart.