Dr. Luka Kovaฤ on Heart Health: Foods, Vitamins, and Supplements
(as if portrayed in ER-style, compassionate and scientific)
INT. HOSPITAL BREAK ROOM โ DR. LUKA KOVAฤ speaks with a concerned patient recovering from a mild heart event. He smiles reassuringly, his Croatian accent calm and composed.
DR. KOVAฤ:
You donโt need a miracle drug to protect your heart. You need wisdomโand maybe a little grapefruit.
Let me give you a short list. These are your allies. They may not wear white coats, but they work hard in your bloodstream.
๐ TOP FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH
1. Grapefruit ๐
โThe power of grapefruit is real,โ Luka says.
Itโs rich in vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, and fiber.
It helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fights inflammation. Just donโt mix it with certain medications (like statins)โcheck with your doctor.
2. Cayenne Pepper ๐ถ
โThis is fire for your arteriesโin a good way.โ
Contains capsaicin, which may:
- Improve blood circulation
- Reduce cholesterol levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent blood clots
3. Oily Fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines) ๐
โOmega-3 fatty acids reduce arrhythmias and inflammation. They are your heartโs bodyguards.โ
4. Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) ๐ฑ
Loaded with nitrates that improve artery function, and vitamin K for vascular health.
5. Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) ๐
High in anthocyaninsโantioxidants that reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function.
6. Avocados ๐ฅ
Contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
7. Garlic ๐ง
Natural blood thinner. Contains allicin, which reduces blood pressure and cholesterol.
๐ SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEART HEALTH
1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
โEspecially useful if youโre on statins. CoQ10 supports the heartโs mitochondriaโits powerhouse.โ
2. Magnesium
Helps regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and muscle contractions.
3. Omega-3 (Fish Oil or Algae-Based)
Anti-inflammatory, helps lower triglycerides and reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
4. Hawthorn Berry
Traditional heart tonic that may improve cardiac output and reduce hypertension.
5. L-Arginine
Boosts nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and artery dilation.
6. Vitamin D3
Low levels are linked with increased cardiovascular risk.
7. B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate)
They help lower homocysteineโan amino acid that, in high levels, damages blood vessels.
๐ง FINAL THOUGHT FROM DR. KOVAฤ
โThe heart doesnโt just pump blood. It listensโto what you eat, how you breathe, and how you love. Treat it like your oldest friend.โ