7 more heart helpers

What

Why

Dose

Coenzyme Q-10

Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

50-300 mg/day

Danshen

Also known as red ginseng, red sage, or salvia root. May play a role in blood vessel wall reactivity and blood thinning.

9-15 grams/day

Garlic

Believed to have a statinlike effect on cholesterol.

400 mg/day fresh garlic (1-2 cloves); or 300 mg, 2-3x/day in pill form

Niacin

Studies show that high-dose niacin can raise HDL cholesterol 15 percent to 30 percent.

500-2,000 mg/day

Red yeast

Extracted from fermented rice, its active ingredient works like lovastatin (Mevacor).

2,400 mg standardized extract daily

Selenium

A trace element, it helps to prevent oxidation of LDL.

Average intake is 105 mcg/day; toxicity can occur at levels above 400 mcg/day

Vitamin C

May prevent formation of arterial plaque.

90 mg for men and 75 mg for women daily; 500-2,000 mg considered safe for therapeutic purposes

Note: Always consult your doctor about appropriate doses and potential side effects or interactions.

Sources: David Hurrell, MD, www.HolisticHeartHealth.com; Robert Rountree, MD.