As we age, our hearts become more vulnerable to the effects of time, lifestyle, and environment. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, particularly among older adults. The good news is that with the right support, especially from science-backed natural supplements, we can promote a healthier, stronger heart well into our golden years.
This article will explore six powerful ingredients and how they can function individually or in synergy to support cardiovascular health as we age.
Why Heart Health Matters as We Age
Aging impacts the cardiovascular system in several ways:
- Arteries stiffen, increasing blood pressure
- Cholesterol and plaque can build up in blood vessels
- The heart muscle may weaken
- Blood flow efficiency may decline
These changes increase the risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Supporting heart health through lifestyle choices and targeted supplements can help maintain healthy circulation, blood pressure, lipid levels, and vascular integrity.
Herbal Pharmacist® Suggested Support for Heart Health
ABG10+® – The Benefits of Aged Black Garlic
ABG10+® is a standardized aged black garlic extract derived from Allium sativum, processed to enhance its antioxidant and cardio-protective compounds, particularly S-allyl cysteine (SAC).
How it Supports Heart Health[i][ii][iii]
- Antioxidant Protection: Aging generates more oxidative stress, which damages blood vessels. SAC in ABG10+ is a potent antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage to arteries.
- Cholesterol and Lipids: Studies show ABG10+ helps reduce total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Endothelial Function: It supports nitric oxide (NO) production, helping relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Why It Matters in Aging
ABG10+ is ideal for those over 50 who want a natural way to support blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness, and manage cholesterol levels.
IGOB-131® – The Metabolic Heart Protector
IGOB-131® is an extract of Irvingia gabonensis (African mango seed), recognized for its clinically researched effects on weight management and metabolic health, which are crucial components of cardiovascular health.
How it Supports Heart Health[iv][v]
- Improves Lipid Profile: Clinical studies report reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, alongside increases in HDL.
- Insulin Sensitivity: IGOB-131® helps balance blood sugar and insulin levels, indirectly reducing the risk of plaque formation in arteries.
- Waistline Reduction: Being significantly overweight is a major cardiovascular risk factor. IGOB-13®1 has been shown to decrease body weight and waist circumference.
Why It Matters in Aging
As we age, insulin resistance and weight gain become more common. By addressing these, IGOB-131 helps ease metabolic strain on the cardiovascular system.
Hydrovas™10 – The Polyphenol Vascular Enhancer
Hydrovas™ 10 is derived from the water-soluble fraction of olive fruits (Olea europaea), containing 10–12% combined hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol—powerful polyphenols known for their antioxidant activity. These compounds are known for their vascular protective properties.
Heart Health Benefits
- Cardiovascular Support: The high levels of hydroxytyrosol in Hydrovas™ 10 contribute to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system by acting as potent antioxidants.
- Lipid Protection: Hydrovas™ 10 helps prevent oxidative damage to blood lipids, which is crucial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular health concerns.
Aging Benefits
With age-related vascular stiffening and reduced circulation, Hydrovas™10 offers a safe, natural strategy to help preserve vessel elasticity and circulation.
NSK-SD® – The Circulatory System’s Cleanup Crew
NSK-SD® is a nattokinase supplement, an enzyme extracted from natto, a fermented soy food. Nattokinase is known for its fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity.
How It Works
- Dissolves Fibrin: Fibrin buildup in blood vessels can lead to clots and thrombosis. NSK-SD® helpsbreak down fibrin, supporting healthy blood flow and reducing clot risk.
- Supports Blood Pressure: Several studies report that blood pressure is supported by people using nattokinase.
- Improves Circulation: By thinning the blood naturally, NSK-SD® promotes better circulation.
Ideal for Aging Adults
As the risk of clotting increases with age, NSK-SD® offers a gentle, natural way to support a healthy circulatory system, especially important for those at risk of cardiovascular events.
AquaCelle® Omega-3 – Advanced Absorption for Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) are essential fatty acids with cardioprotective properties. AquaCelle® is a self-emulsifying delivery system that enhances the bioavailability of omega-3 oils by up to 6 times compared to standard fish oil.
Why Omega-3s Are Crucial for Heart Health
- Reduce Triglycerides: EPA and DHA lower blood triglyceride levels.
- Support Blood Pressure: They help support healthy blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
Why AquaCelle® Omega-3 Makes a Difference
Older adults may have difficulty absorbing fats efficiently. AquaCelle® technology ensures superior absorption of omega-3s without the fishy aftertaste, making it an excellent choice for daily cardiovascular support.
Ubiquinol® – Cellular Energy and Heart Vitality
Ubiquinol® is a vital nutrient involved in energy production within the mitochondria of our cells, especially heart cells, which have high energy demands. It is the bioactive form of CoQ10 and, as we age, our body’s ability to convert CoQ10 into ubiquinol declines, leading to lower levels of this essential compound where it’s needed most.
Heart Health Benefits of Ubiquinol[vi]
- Energizes Heart Cells: supports the production of ATP (cellular energy), helping the heart pump efficiently even under stress.
- Powerful Antioxidant: It protects the heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage, particularly within the mitochondria.
- Supports Statin Users: Statin medications are commonly used to manage cholesterol and reduce CoQ10 levels. Ubiqinol® helps replenish what statins deplete.
- Improves Vascular Function: Supplementing with Ubiquinol has been shown to enhance endothelial function and improve arterial flexibility.
Why It’s Ideal for Aging Hearts
Because energy production naturally declines with age, and oxidative stress increases, ubiquinol provides essential support to help keep the heart strong, energetic, and resilient. Its role is especially critical for people over 50 and for anyone with cardiovascular concerns or on statin therapy.
Synergistic Heart Health – Why These Ingredients Work Better Together
Each of these ingredients offers a different mechanism for supporting heart health:
- ABG10+® and Hydrovas™10 protect arteries and enhance circulation
- IGOB-131® reduces metabolic stress on the cardiovascular system
- NSK-SD® ensures healthy blood flow and clot management
- AquaCelle® Omega-3 lowers inflammation and supports lipid balance
- Ubiquinol® energizes heart cells and supports mitochondrial resilience
Together, they create a multi-layered defense system that supports energy, circulation, lipid balance, metabolic function, and oxidative protection.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Age
Heart health is not just about avoiding disease; it’s about thriving as we age. Science-backed ingredients can create a supplement strategy that addresses the full spectrum of cardiovascular aging challenges. Combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups, these ingredients provide powerful tools to support a strong, resilient heart at every stage of life.
Additional References:
[i] Serrano JCE, Castro-Boqué E, García-Carrasco A, Morán-Valero MI, González-Hedström D, Bermúdez-López M, Valdivielso JM, Espinel AE, Portero-Otín M. Antihypertensive Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract in Subjects with Grade I Hypertension and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 23;15(17):3691. doi: 10.3390/nu15173691. PMID: 37686723; PMCID: PMC10490347.
[ii] Valls RM, Companys J, Calderón-Pérez L, Salamanca P, Pla-Pagà L, Sandoval-Ramírez BA, Bueno A, Puzo J, Crescenti A, Bas JMD, Caimari A, Salamanca A, Espinel AE, Pedret A, Arola L, Solà R. Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Moderate Hypercholesterolemic Subjects: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Sustainedand Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 18;14(3):405. doi: 10.3390/nu14030405. PMID: 35276764; PMCID: PMC8838962.
[iii] Ahmed T, Wang CK. Black Garlic and Its Bioactive Compounds on Human Health Diseases: A Review. Molecules. 2021 Aug 19;26(16):5028. doi: 10.3390/molecules26165028. PMID: 34443625; PMCID: PMC8401630.
[iv] Oben J, Ngondi J, Blum K. Inhibition of adipogenesis and glucose uptake by African mango seed extract (IGOB131) is associated with down-regulation of PPARγ, adiponectin, and leptin genes. Lipids Health Dis. 2008;7:44. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-7-44
[v] Ngondi JL, Oben JE, Minka SR. The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract on body weight and blood lipids of overweight subjects in Cameroon. Lipids Health Dis. 2005;4:12. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-4-12
[vi] Zozina VI, Covantev S, Goroshko OA, Krasnykh LM, Kukes VG. Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2018;14(3):164-174. doi: 10.2174/1573403X14666180416115428. PMID: 29663894; PMCID: PMC6131403.