Take your vitamin C (illustration)
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Israeli study: Food supplements good for heart
Research conducted by Edith Wolfson hospital researchers shows supplements containing vitamins C and E cause drop in blood pressure, blood sugar levels
A new Israeli study brings good news for those taking food supplements. According to the study, supplements containing antioxidant vitamins and minerals greatly improve artery flexibility. They also reduce blood sugar levels and blood pressure thereby protecting the vessels and help in preventing heart attacks.
The Israeli study, which was conducted at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, sought to test the effects of such antioxidants as vitamin C and E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium on artery flexibility and signs of heart diseases on high risk patients. Researchers checked 70 patients who suffered from at least two symptoms putting them at risk for heart and blood vessel conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, low cholesterol level etc.
The participants were divided into two groups, one of which was given a regular dose of food supplements for six months. The other group was given placebo pills.
Participants who took the supplements saw a significant drop in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. An improvement was also recorded in their artery flexibility index. The other group's members did not show any blood pressure drop or improvement in artery flexibility.
The researchers claim that their study shows that food supplements cause greater artery flexibility and a drop in blood sugar and fat levels as well as a blood pressure drop. However, it remains unclear what specific mechanism causes these effects.
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