The increasing incidence of lifestyle-based conditions, most notably cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, and diabetes, has compelled consumers to consider natural solutions to their particular health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. And heart disease is an equal opportunity killer.

A few fast facts from our friends at the CDC:

--About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States annually, which translates to 1 in every 4 deaths.

--Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

 --Every year about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 190,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.

--Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion annually. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

More and more consumers realize that natural products will have a profound impact on their health. Additionally, these same consumers are beginning to understand that processed products will have a negative impact on long-term health. As a result, manufacturers are shifting their focus to formulating functional food and dietary supplement products that contain natural ingredients.

The baby boomer generation is now 77 million strong. Many are now entering retirement. As the invincibility of youth gives way to the reality of aging, cardiovascular health remains a focus of many boomers. Everyone understands the importance of eating nutritious foods. A healthy diet impacts your weight, your energy level and, ultimately, your cardiovascular health. However, in this day and age of processed foods, what are we REALLY putting into our bodies?

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, one in three American adults takes at least one dietary supplement each day. Overall, Americans spend more than $11 billion annually on vitamins and minerals. And heart health supplements top the list. They range from fish oil to flaxseed oil to artichoke to garlic extracts. Is there any evidence that these really work? Can they really lower LDL (bad) cholesterol or triglycerides or raise HDL (good) cholesterol? Which supplements should you consider making (and taking) for heart health?

Certain supplements really do promote cardiovascular health and have been clinically validated. There are several great supplements for heart health.

Ill delve into my three favorites in the next post.