ntioxidant: An antioxidant is a compound that inhibits oxidation, as the name suggests. Oxidation inside the human body can produce free radicals that are capable of reacting with tissue and cells to damage them. The antioxidants help fight against these free radicals and terminate the chain reactions they are causing, thus saving the cells from getting damaged. Some antioxidants are produced naturally in the body, and some are taken as a supplement in the diet. These antioxidants prevent many diseases like chronic cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes.

How can antioxidants be good for the heart?

LDL (Bad cholesterol) molecules are capable of forming plaques in the heart's artery walls, which in turn develop as blockages that prevent the blood flow into the heart. It causes heart diseases. An antioxidant is used to reduce the LDL levels in the body to avoid this accumulation of plaques. There is controversy regarding the usage of supplements for heart disease as some results show them helpful, and some say the opposite. Top 10 antioxidants that are good for the heart are listed below.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps in heart-related diseases. It is said to provide oxidation resistance and prevent the accumulation of arterial plaques, thus preventing heart disease. Consumption of food rich in Vitamin E lowers the risk of getting a Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). However, clinical results have not been conclusive that Vitamin E can prevent or treat heart diseases.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents free radical oxidation, thus reducing the oxidative stress responsible for many chronic diseases like heart disease. Consumption of high amounts of vitamin c will increase the anti-inflammatory capacity of the body. So, the intake of Vitamin C helps in preventing heart diseases.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene is another antioxidant that can fight free radicals to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease. So, a beta-carotene rich diet will be useful in preventing coronary heart disease.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are the naturally antioxidant pigments produced by fruits and vegetables. Apart from many common benefits of flavonoids, they are particularly helpful in the prevention of heart diseases and cancer. Although flavonoids help in free radical combat, they also have antimicrobial memory and mood-enhancing properties. It is also a good antioxidant for the heart.

Ubiquinone

Ubiquinone is also called Coenzyme Q10. It is another antioxidant used to treat heart failure and to improve heart function. Apart from these, this can help in solving some nerve problems like diabetes or migraines. However, a doctor's consultation is a must before usage.

Selenium

Selenium helps reduce the oxidation of lipids and fats, thus decreasing the risk of heart disease. Apart from this, selenium may prevent diseases like cancer and asthma. Some thyroid problems can also be treated. The use of any selenium supplement should be under a doctor's consultation.

Glutathione; Resveratrol; ALA; Fenugreek with garlic

Apart from the antioxidants mentioned above, some of the other antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease will be glutathione, resveratrol, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and even Fenugreek with garlic. These antioxidants are proven to help reduce LDL (Bad cholesterol) accumulation, reducing the risk of heart diseases. However, the use of these antioxidants for cardiovascular purposes should be under a doctor's supervision.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16740-antioxidants-vitamin-e-beta-carotene--cardiovascular-disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277260/#:~:text=Flavonoids'%20protective%20effects%20against%20ischemic,reduced%20incidence%20of%20the%20disease.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446741/