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Heart Cleanse

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A Healthy Heart

When too much cholesterol and fat accumulate in the blood, it is converted into bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoproteins), and can clog the arteries.  Cholesterol is a natural substance produced in the body.  Cholesterol plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of fats, oils, and fat soluble vitamins from food.  Good cholesterol travels through the bloodstream to nourish cells.  A regimen of total body cleansing products, including Heart Cleanse is necessary for maintaining a healthy heart.  Herbal products and phytonutrients developed to help support heart health include the following.*  

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Heart Cleansing Nutrients

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat soluble nutrient that occurs naturally in the human body. Energy cannot be produced on a cellular level, without it. The heart utilizes more cellular energy than any other organ. CoQ10 is an essential nutrient for healthy heart function.* It protects and strengthens the heart.* Clinical studies have revealed Coenzyme Q10 deficiencies in the heart tissues of people with heart problems.* CoQ10 may help with promoting healthy blood pressure.* CoenzymeQ10 is a strong antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that damage cells. As we age, the body loses its ability to manufacture adequate amounts of Coenzyme Q10 and supplementation is recommended. Note*: It is best to take CoQ10 with a little bit of fat, like flax or olive oil for better assimilation.

Gugulipid is the purified extract form of the medicinal plant named Gum Guggul, which is a resinous material that comes from the Mukul Myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) in India. In the classic Ayurvedic medical system, Guggul has been used for lipid (fat) problems.* In scientific studies, Gugulipid has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels along with promoting weight loss.* Gugulipid has antioxidant properties that appear to protect the heart against free radical damage.*

Hawthorne Extract is recognized as a cardiotonic herb that may be helpful in supporting healthy heart function.* The high concentration of flavonoid compounds, known as proanthocyanidins, are primarily responsible for its cardiovascular and free radical scavenging activity. * Proanthocyanidins may also increase blood and oxygen supplies to the heart.* Hawthorn extract may be helpful in promoting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels along with protecting against the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.* In clinical studies, Hawthorn shows much promise in its ability to dilate coronary blood vessels that supply the heart with nutrients and oxygen.* The flavonoid compounds have been shown to decrease the constriction of coronary vessels which may enhance the smooth flow of blood into the arteries as well.*

L- Carnitine is an important amino acid that assists in fat metabolism.* It plays an important role in the body’s ability to convert stored fat into energy.* This is an important nutrient for the heart. It regulates fatty build up in the arteries by promoting healthy fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.* If there is a decreased level of oxygen supply to the heart, carnitine levels may drop.* Carnitine deficiency may play a part in cardiovascular problems.*

Taurine is an amino acid that regulates the heartbeat, aids in fat digestion, the absorption of fat soluble vitamins in the body and in controlling cholesterol levels in the blood.* It is an important amino acid for healthy heart function.* High concentration of Taurine is found in the heart muscle.

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family and is a powerful newly discovered antioxidant that helps protect against more types of free radicals than any other antioxidant.* Astaxanthin enhances the activity of vitamins C and E in the body, which are important nutrients for the heart.* The natural form of Astaxanthin is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis and is at least 10 times more effective as an antioxidant than beta- carotene. It is highly bioavailable because it binds to a lipid ( fat ) molecule and enters the bloodstream more readily than other antioxidants.* Astaxanthin is a fat soluble nutrient that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which enhances its effectiveness.* Astaxanthin is 100-500 times more effective than vitamin E with blocking lipid peroxidation, which is the destruction of fatty acids and proteins in cell membranes that can cause oxidative damage.* Results from clinical studies testing the safety of Astaxanthin have shown no known toxicity. astaZANTHIN^TM  brand Astaxanthin is a highly concentrated natural extract from H.pluvialis micro algae.

Red Grape Skin is an excellent source of polyphenols (anthocyanins leucoanthocyanins). Polyphenols form pigments of the deep red and blue in various fruits an wines. Studies have shown these polyphenols to help promote cardiovascular health.* Polyphenols in red grape skin protect the cardiovascular system and function as antioxidants.* Their strong anti-oxidant properties inhibit oxidation of "bad" cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL).* LDL may be largely responsible for the build-up of arterial plaque. Red grape skin polyhenols may exhibit stronger antioxidant activity in neutralizing free radicals in the body than beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E.*

Magnesium is an essential mineral that promotes a healthy cardiovascular system by helping with the proper functioning of the heart muscle.* It may be useful in promoting healthy heart rhythms/heartbeats and blood pressure.* Magnesium may also increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL), known as the good cholesterol and inhibit platelet aggregation or clotting of red blood cells.*

Potassium is a mineral that helps with regulating heart and blood pressure regulating mechanisms.* When Potassium levels are out of balance, nerves and muscles do not function properly.

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Heart, Cholesterol and Fat Functions

• The heart is the primary organ of the circulatory system.
• The cardiovascular system transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, antibodies and waste.
• The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the entire body via the aorta, the main artery.
• The heart is made of the strongest muscle fiber in the body.
• The heart beats more than 100,000 times in one day

Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by the body. It plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of fats, oils and fat soluble vitamins from food. This good cholesterol travels through the bloodstream to nourish cells.

Excess cholesterol in the body can be manufactured from dietary fats, saturated fats, refined sugars, carbohydrates and meats. In a healthy body, a moderate amount of excess cholesterol can be eliminated through the intestines or kept as fat reserve (triglycerides) in our cells and stored for later use.

• Fat is the principle form in which energy is stored in the body.
• Fat provides our bodies with adequate insulation beneath the skin.
• A certain amount of fat is necessary to supply the body with essential fatty acids.
• Fat is needed for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins from our food.

When too much cholesterol and fat accumulates in the blood, it is converted into bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and can clog the arteries.

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Diet for a Healthy Heart

A diet rich in the following food groups will help to maintain a healthy heart:

• Wholesome, unprocessed foods
• Whole grains
• Psyllium fiber
• Fruits and vegetables
• Quality protein: lean meats, fish,
• beans and legumes.

AND…

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
• Limit your alcohol, caffeine intake.
• Avoid refined sugars, carbohydrates and fried foods.

Exercise and stress management is an important part of healthy heart function. Consult your doctor before undertaking any exercise program.

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Reprinted with the exclusive permission of Health Plus, Inc.