Any time is the perfect time to think about what you can do to support your heart health to live longer and better. 

With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of four basic nutrients that are safe to take in on a daily basis and are scientifically proven to be heart-protective.

So put your mind at ease while your heart keeps ticking away...

4 nutrients that show your heart big-time love

1. CoQ10

When it comes to heart-healthy nutrients, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) easily tops the list.

Not only does CoQ10 provide the energy your hardworking heart cells need to function optimally, but it also serves as a powerful antioxidant to guard against free radicals and oxidative damage that can cause inflammation in your blood vessels.

And, while CoQ10 occurs naturally in the cells of your body, by the time you hit your 20s, your levels can start dropping.

To make matters worse, several common medications push those levels down even further, including statins, diuretics, anti-depressants, and even some diabetes and heart medications.

This means that if you want to keep your heart strong, you should consider high-quality CoQ10 supplements.

2. Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are among the strongest predictors of heart disease.

In fact, magnesium deficiency has been linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Cholesterol issues
• Hardening of the arteries
• Plaque buildup in the arteries

Foods rich in magnesium include:

• Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Seafood
• Meat such as chicken and beef
• For supplementation, magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurate are considered the best forms for heart health. They both offer high absorption and cardiovascular support. However, glycinate is highly bioavailable for heart muscle function, while taurate (which pairs magnesium with taurine) is especially supportive of blood pressure and heart rhythm.

3. Nattokinase

While you might be familiar with the first two supplements we’ve talked about, most people have never even heard of nattokinase. Yet, it’s extremely important when it comes to your heart health.

"Thick blood" can become a problem with age, impacting circulation and making the heart work harder. This happens because the body no longer produces sufficient levels of the enzyme plasmin, which is needed to dissolve clots in the blood vessels.

Luckily, nattokinase (an enzyme made from fermented soybeans) works in the same way as plasmin, supporting normal blood flow.

In fact, more than 17 scientific studies have proven that nattokinase is beneficial for circulation.

Natto is the name of a traditional Japanese dish, made with fermented soybeans, in which natto was first discovered. 

4. Garlic

If you haven’t jumped on the garlic bandwagon to improve your heart health, you should give it some serious thought...

If the taste has been holding you back, garlic supplements are available. 

To support blood pressure, studies have suggested four cloves per day. But if you choose to use a supplement, follow the manufacturer's suggested dose.

Need another reason to consider garlic? It may also help reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol” by 10 – 15 percent.