Dr. Luka Kovač on Heart Health: Foods, Vitamins, and Supplements
(as if portrayed in ER-style, compassionate and scientific)
INT. HOSPITAL BREAK ROOM – DR. LUKA KOVAČ speaks with a concerned patient recovering from a mild heart event. He smiles reassuringly, his Croatian accent calm and composed.
DR. KOVAČ:
You don’t need a miracle drug to protect your heart. You need wisdom—and 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.
💓 TOP FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH
1. Grapefruit 🍊
“The power of grapefruit is real,” Luka says.
It’s rich in vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, and fiber.
It helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fights inflammation. Just don’t mix it with certain medications (like statins)—check with your doctor.
2. Cayenne Pepper 🌶
“This is fire for your arteries—in a good way.”
Contains capsaicin, which may:
- Improve blood circulation
- Reduce cholesterol levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent blood clots
3. Oily Fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines) 🐟
“Omega-3 fatty acids reduce arrhythmias and inflammation. They are your heart’s bodyguards.”
4. Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) 🌱
Loaded with nitrates that improve artery function, and vitamin K for vascular health.
5. Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) 🍓
High in anthocyanins—antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function.
6. Avocados 🥑
Contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
7. Garlic 🧄
Natural blood thinner. Contains allicin, which reduces blood pressure and cholesterol.
💊 SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEART HEALTH
1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
“Especially useful if you’re on statins. CoQ10 supports the heart’s mitochondria—its powerhouse.”
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 homocysteine—an amino acid that, in high levels, damages blood vessels.
🧠 FINAL THOUGHT FROM DR. KOVAČ
“The heart doesn’t just pump blood. It listens—to what you eat, how you breathe, and how you love. Treat it like your oldest friend.”