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More than 30 percent of all adults in the United States have cardiovascular disease, New York-Presbyterian Hospital reports. Like all of your body's systems, the health of your cardiovascular system is highly dependent on the nutrients in your diet. Three vitamins play a crucial role in your cardiovascular system's health. As with all dietary supplements, talk to a doctor before taking any vitamins.
Your body's cardiovascular system transports approximately 5 liters of blood around your body at all times, The Franklin Institute reports. Your cardiovascular system -- also called the circulatory system -- includes your body's blood, heart and blood vessels. It's chief role is to transport blood to and from your body's cells. A common health problem of the cardiovascular system is atherosclerosis -- clogging of the arteries that often precedes a heart attack or stroke.
Your body synthesizes vitamin D in your skin during exposure to sunlight. A paper published in the July 2009 issue of "Current Vascular Pharmacology" notes that low vitamin D levels are linked to cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as hypertension and insulin resistance. Adequate vitamin D levels reduce levels of inflammation in the body. High levels of inflammation promote the accumulation of plaque on blood vessels. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 600 international units for adult men and women, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports.
Vitamin C aids in the health of your cardiovascular system by promoting the production of new blood vessel tissue and reducing cholesterol buildup on artery walls, the Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International reports. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially limes, oranges, broccoli, spinach and mangoes. Adults should aim for approximately 75 milligrams of daily vitamin C, the Office of Dietary Supplements advises.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant vitamin that reduces levels of oxidation in your cardiovascular system, which can help reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis, a review paper published in the May 2010 "American Journal of Therapeutics" reports. Vitamin E is commonly found in foods such as nuts, whole grains and vegetable oils. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligrams per day.
Article reviewed by S.C. Ville
Your body's cardiovascular system transports approximately 5 liters of blood around your body at all times, The Franklin Institute reports. Your cardiovascular system -- also called the circulatory system -- includes your body's blood, heart and blood vessels. It's chief role is to transport blood to and from your body's cells. A common health problem of the cardiovascular system is atherosclerosis -- clogging of the arteries that often precedes a heart attack or stroke.
Your body synthesizes vitamin D in your skin during exposure to sunlight. A paper published in the July 2009 issue of "Current Vascular Pharmacology" notes that low vitamin D levels are linked to cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as hypertension and insulin resistance. Adequate vitamin D levels reduce levels of inflammation in the body. High levels of inflammation promote the accumulation of plaque on blood vessels. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 600 international units for adult men and women, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports.
Vitamin C aids in the health of your cardiovascular system by promoting the production of new blood vessel tissue and reducing cholesterol buildup on artery walls, the Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International reports. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially limes, oranges, broccoli, spinach and mangoes. Adults should aim for approximately 75 milligrams of daily vitamin C, the Office of Dietary Supplements advises.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant vitamin that reduces levels of oxidation in your cardiovascular system, which can help reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis, a review paper published in the May 2010 "American Journal of Therapeutics" reports. Vitamin E is commonly found in foods such as nuts, whole grains and vegetable oils. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligrams per day.
Article reviewed by S.C. Ville
