Explore how Ů HEART's formula helps target cholesterol, BP, and other factors crucial to heart health

As American Heart Month 2026 unfolds, heart disease continues to claim more lives than any other condition in the U.S., prompting vital conversations on prevention and wellness.

U Gen Wellness recently sat down with renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Allan Stewart, a pioneer in minimally invasive procedures like TAVR and a key collaborator in developing Ů HEART, to explore proactive strategies for cardiac health.

Dr. Stewart, based in Miami and with a career spanning major innovations in aortic surgery and transcatheter valves, emphasizes tailored, evidence-based approaches over one-size-fits-all treatments. In this exclusive Q&A, he breaks down Ů HEART's science-backed formula—a dual morning/evening blend featuring DHA, CoQ10, beet root, pomegranate, curcumin, hawthorn, hibiscus, berberine, and more—designed to target cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and stress while complementing lifestyle habits.

During American Heart Month, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, how can patients use supplements like Ů HEART's blend of DHA, CoQ10, and beet root to proactively manage cholesterol and blood pressure before issues escalate?

Heart disease is indeed a major concern, and American Heart Month is a great reminder to focus on preventive strategies.

It is important to note that all nutraceuticals and supplements should support a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and communication with your healthcare provider. While U Heart provides an exceptional blend of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and beet root, natural supplements are not meant to be a permission for bad behavior such as smoking, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle.

Always consult your doctor, before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing conditions or take medications. Never stop your prescription medicines without consulting your doctor. It is critical that you use information to guide your decisions. I suggest using wearable technology such as an Oura ring, a Whoop, an iWatch, or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to assess how U Heart works for you.

Since it is a bespoke product, we can change the formulation based upon the results seen in your own personal data.

Let me get into the weeds a bit on some of the common ingredients.

DHA Benefits and Usage

DHA, often sourced from fish oil, is a key omega-3 fatty acid that supports cardiovascular function. It can help by:

• Reducing triglycerides and potentially improving "good" cholesterol levels (HDL), which may lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
• Lowering blood pressure by enhancing blood vessel flexibility and reducing inflammation.

Suggested use: Incorporate DHA through a daily supplement dose of 2–3 grams (combined EPA + DHA) as part of a heart-focused blend. This capsule should be taken with meals to enhance absorption. Again, it is a supplement not a replacement.

UHeart + McDonalds’s is not a useful equation.

Try to eat fatty fish (e.g., salmon) twice a week or embrace a Mediterranean-style diet.

CoQ10 Benefits and Usage

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that declines with age. Patients taking statins are particularly deficient.

Benefits:

Boosts HDL cholesterol (good), while potentially lowering total cholesterol, helping maintain a healthier lipid profile.

Reducing systolic blood pressure by up to 4–5 mmHg on average, through its role in energy production and blood vessel relaxation.

A typical dose in supplements is 100–200 mg daily. Take the capsule with a fat-containing meal to improve absorption. It's particularly useful if you're over 40 or on cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Beet Root Benefits

Beet root is rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, supporting vascular health.

Benefits:

Lowering blood pressure, albeit temporarily, by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow.

Boosts endurance for physical activity, allowing for a better calorie burn.

Ů HEART Synergy for Heart Protection

Ů HEART's blend leverages synergy: DHA's anti-inflammatory effects pair with CoQ10's energy support and beet root's nitric oxide production for broader heart protection. Start with the recommended product dosage

BUT, track your progress with wearables and, in the case of glucose and cholesterol: regular blood work. Pair it with regular stress reduction (e.g., meditation), and a diet which is low in processed foods. Again, remember supplements and peptides are not erasers for bad behaviors.

In summary, these supplements are an amazing part of a proactive toolkit, but evidence is strongest when used with healthy habits.

With campaigns like #OurHearts emphasizing community prevention, what role do nitric oxide boosters in Ů HEART, such as pomegranate and green coffee bean, play in daily routines for enhancing vascular health?

Campaigns like #OurHearts, led by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), highlight the power of community-driven prevention. The goal is to combat heart disease through shared experiences, education, and support networks. Ů HEART's blend, which includes pomegranate and green coffee bean as NO boosters, may support vascular health by promoting better blood flow and as a result increased endurance and blood pressure management.

Pomegranate as a Nitric Oxide Booster

Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, which activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). eNOS leads to improved vasodilation, increased blood flow, and reduced arterial stiffness, potentially lowering blood pressure. Pomegranate extract can enhance exercise-induced blood flow and delay fatigue, making it useful for active lifestyles and those trying to make exercise a part of their lives.

U Heart suggestion: Take 500-1,000 mg of pomegranate extract mid-morning or before a workout. Pair it with community activities like group walks, aligned with #OurHearts' focus on collective movement, to amplify vascular benefits through consistent use and social motivation. It’s important to realize that the effects may not be immediate but may build over 4-8 weeks.

Green Coffee Bean Extract Benefits

Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) reduces cortisol levels. Studies in healthy and mildly hypertensive adults show GCBE enhances arterial function and may support arterial elasticity which is beneficial in preventing “hardening of the arteries”

U Heart Suggestion: Aim for 200-500 mg of GCBE in the evening or with meals to sustain NO levels throughout the day. Share progress in group settings to track and compare benefits like better BP control. Combine with balanced eating, as GCBE's effects are amplified by lifestyle factors, with some evidence of added weight management perks.

In Ů HEART, pomegranate and GCBE synergize with other NO-supportive ingredients (like beet root) to create a comprehensive vascular boost:

• Polyphenols from pomegranate protect NO
• CGA from GCBE enhances its production, potentially leading to greater cumulative effects on circulation and heart strain reduction.

Follow product dosing, monitor blood pressure, and integrate into routines like morning smoothies or post-dinner rituals.

How might Ů HEART's anti-inflammatory ingredients like curcumin and olive leaf support recovery for cardiac patients post-surgery?

Cardiac surgery recovery often involves managing inflammation, intense physical and psychological stress, and potential complications like atrial fibrillation or impaired wound healing. These issues can prolong hospital stays and affect outcomes, which is the primary reason I created U Heart. Ů HEART's blend, incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients such as curcumin (the active biological ingredient in the spice –Turmeric) and olive leaf extract, may support recovery.

Again, supplements are not a substitute for your doctor’s plan for rehabilitation. Patients should consult their surgeon before use, as some supplements (not those in U Heart) can have interactions with blood thinners or other post-op medications.

Turmeric (Curcumin) for Recovery

Curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory signals known as cytokines (signals in the blood), which spike after surgery. In studies on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), Turmeric supplementation has been shown to lower inflammation, reduce cardiac muscle injury, and decrease the risk of post-procedure heart attack by up to 65%.

U Heart suggestion: 500–1,000 mg curcumin daily, starting seven days pre-surgery if approved and continuing for 30 days post-op, could help reduce complications like atrial fibrillation, failure to thrive, or extended ICU stays.

Olive Leaf Extract for Recovery

Olive leaf extract offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and protects arteries from damage. In patients with significant heart attacks, oleuropein (the active ingredient in olive leaf extract) diminished the size of the muscle injury. Other studies suggest a lower incidence of arrhythmia risk such as atrial fibrillation, which is common after heart surgery.

U Heart suggestion: 500–1,000 mg olive leaf extract daily could support recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and bolstering immunity against infections. Effects on inflammation may be noticeable within weeks; combine with hydration and mobility exercises.

Synergy in Ů HEART's Blend for Surgery Patients

Combining curcumin and olive leaf in Ů HEART may amplify benefits for heart surgery patients through complementary mechanisms: curcumin's cytokine suppression pairs with olive leaf's endothelial protection and antioxidant boost, potentially leading to faster wound healing, lower complication rates, and shorter hospital stays.

Evidence is promising, especially in CABG patients.

For those with histories of stents or coronary artery disease, how does Ů HEART's hawthorne and garlic formula provide additive value in preventing recurrence after coronary intervention?

For patients with a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or stenting involves managing restenosis (re-narrowing of arteries), plaque buildup, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction is critical.

Ů HEART's formula, featuring hawthorn and garlic, may offer additive value through their complementary effects on vascular health, lipid profiles, and anti-clotting properties. These ingredients are not a replacement for standard treatments like antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin or Plavix (clopridigal), statins, or lifestyle modifications), but they are an amazing supplement.

Always consult your doctor before incorporating supplements, especially after heart surgery or stents. However, empower yourself, if your doctor is resistant without an explanation.

‘Why not?” is a perfectly acceptable question.

Hawthorn for Stent Support

Hawthorn extract, derived from certain berries, leaves, and flowers, supports cardiovascular protection by improving endothelial function, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation: contributors to “in-stent restenosis” is a bad complication post-procedure. Hawthorn has demonstrated increased artery flexibility, which could aid in maintaining stent blood flow.

U Heart Suggestion: 300–900 mg daily, taken after PCI, ideally split into 2 doses with meals. Effects may build over 1-2 months and can reduce plaque progression and support the blood flow through a new stent.

Garlic for Preventing Restenosis

Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation (the basis for a clot), and improves lipid profiles, both important for preventing in-stent restenosis and early clotting events. It also lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, potentially decreasing the progression of native coronary disease. Anti-inflammatory actions also support the new stent.

U Heart Suggestion: 600–1,200 mg daily. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. The long-term benefits of coronary plaque reduction may appear within months, especially when combined with statins. The combination of Hawthorn and garlic in Ů HEART leverages synergy: hawthorn's vasodilatory effects complement garlic's plaque-stabilizing and anti-clotting properties, potentially offering broader protection against restenosis and recurrent coronary disease. Evidence suggests that this duo reduces CAD progression, improves coronary blood flow, and lowers inflammatory markers, which are elevated post-PCI.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults; how do hibiscus and ashwagandha in Ů HEART address both physical and stress-related risk factors?

High blood pressure impacts nearly half of U.S. adults and is influenced by both physical factors (e.g., vascular stiffness, fluid retention) and stress (e.g., elevated cortisol leading to sympathetic nervous system activation). Ů HEART's inclusion of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may provide complementary support. These ingredients are not a substitute for medical treatments like antihypertensive drugs or therapy but could be a gamechanger, in holistic management.

Hibiscus for Physical Hypertension Factors

Hibiscus primarily addresses physical risk factors for hypertension by its vasodilation, diuretic effects, and ACE inhibition leading to direct blood pressure reductions. Hibiscus tea or extract lowers systolic. This is comparable to some medications, with no significant difference in BP drops observed. For psychologic stress, hibiscus antioxidant properties may indirectly lower oxidative stress exacerbated by chronic tension.

Ashwagandha for Stress-Related Factors

Ashwagandha excels in managing stress-related risk factors by modulating the Hypothalamus Pituitary Axis (HPA), reducing cortisol (a stress hormone that elevates BP) by 23-33% in chronically stressed adults. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that Ashwagandha lowers anxiety scores by up to 70%. It improves mood, sleep, and energy, while decreasing perceived stress.

U Heart Suggestion: Take 125-600 mg ashwagandha extract daily, in divided doses. Track stress via journals or apps. Together, hibiscus's direct BP-lowering complements ashwagandha's stress mitigation, potentially addressing two common causes of hypertension more effectively – namely, physical via vascular relaxation, and stress-related via cortisol reduction. Pair this with stress-reduction practices like mindfulness and a heart-healthy diet.

How should patients integrate Ů HEART's morning/evening doses with diet, exercise, and weight management via berberine and gymnema?

Patients with metabolic concerns, such as those aiming for weight management or improved heart health, can integrate Ů HEART's morning and evening doses, containing berberine and gymnema, into daily routines by aligning them with meals, exercise, and dietary strategies. Berberine supports lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and modest weight loss, while gymnema reduces sugar cravings and aids blood sugar control.

Berberine's Role in Integration

Berberine triggers a metabolic regulator that enhances fat burning, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation, contributing to modest weight loss and better cardiovascular profiles by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. It pairs well with calorie-controlled diets and exercise for amplified effects on body composition and metabolic health.

Ů HEART's morning dose (e.g., 500 mg berberine): take with breakfast to kickstart daily metabolism and stabilize blood sugar post-fasting. Evening dose (e.g., another 500 mg) with dinner supports overnight glucose control without disrupting sleep, as berberine has a short half-life (4-6 hours) and benefits from divided dosing. Total daily intake should be 900-1,500 mg, split to minimize GI upset.

Pair with a Mediterranean-style rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats (e.g., oats, eggs, veggies for breakfast; lean protein, salads for dinner) to enhance berberine's glucose-lowering effects and promote satiety. Avoid high-sugar foods; studies show berberine amplifies weight loss when combined with a 500-1,000 caloric deficit diet.

Exercise: Incorporate 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (e.g., brisk walking post-morning dose) to boost AMPK activation and fat oxidation. Berberine enhances exercise benefits, potentially reducing BMI and waist circumference more than diet alone.

Weight management: Aim for gradual weight loss as rapid reductions are often met with greater returns! Berberine helps by curbing appetite and improving lipid profiles. Weigh weekly, adjust calories as needed, with effects noticeable in 4-12 weeks.

Gymnema for Craving Control

Gymnema sylvestre blocks intestinal sugar absorption and sweet taste receptors, reducing cravings and aiding blood sugar stability which are key for weight control and preventing metabolic spikes that hinder fat loss. It supports modest weight reduction when combined with lifestyle changes.

U Heart Suggestion: Morning dose (e.g., 200-400 mg gymnemic acid equivalent) 15-30 minutes before breakfast to curb daytime cravings. Evening dose before dinner for post-meal glucose control and reduced nighttime snacking. Total daily intake should be 400-800 mg, timed to meals for optimal absorption blocking. Studies show gymnema enhances adherence to calorie-restricted diets by diminishing sweet food desire by up to 28%. Pair with aerobic or resistance training (e.g., after morning dose) to improve insulin sensitivity. Gymnema amplifies exercise's blood sugar benefits, supporting sustained energy for workouts.

Synergy in Ů HEART for Metabolic Health

In Ů HEART, berberine and gymnema work together. Berberine's metabolic boost complements gymnema's craving control, potentially enhancing weight loss, glucose homeostasis, and heart protection.

Build a routine: Morning dose with nutrient-dense breakfast + 30-min walk; evening with balanced dinner + relaxation. Track metrics (e.g., weekly weigh-ins, bi-monthly blood work) for 8-12 weeks to assess progress. Evidence supports greater benefits with combined diet/exercise (e.g., 10-20% improved outcomes.

Looking at American Heart Month's call for research and education, what clinical insights shaped Ů HEART's formula, and how can it fit into personalized plans for long-term cardiac wellness?

American Heart Month in February 2026 continues to spotlight research and education as cornerstones for advancing cardiac wellness, encouraging evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage heart disease; the leading cause of death globally.

Ů HEART's formula, blending ingredients like DHA, CoQ10, beet root, pomegranate, green coffee bean, curcumin, olive leaf, hawthorn, garlic, hibiscus, ashwagandha, EGCG, resveratrol, vitamin C, berberine, and gymnema, is shaped by a wealth of clinical insights from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and reviews demonstrating their roles in supporting cholesterol management, blood pressure control, inflammation reduction, vascular health, and metabolic stability. These insights emphasize synergistic, natural adjuncts to conventional care, promoting long-term prevention.

Lipid and Vascular Support Insights

Clinical Insights on Lipid and Vascular Support (DHA, CoQ10, Beet Root)

Research highlights these ingredients' potential in addressing oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, key drivers of atherosclerosis. DHA (an omega-3) reduces triglycerides and modestly improves HDL cholesterol, with cardiovascular benefits in high-risk groups. CoQ10's inclusion draws from studies indicating it lowers systolic blood pressure and boosts energy production in heart cells, particularly for statin users experiencing depletion. Beet root's nitrates, converting to nitric oxide, improves blood flow. These insights inform Ů HEART's preventive blend, emphasizing early intervention to mitigate plaque buildup.

Nitric Oxide and Anti-Inflammatory Insights

Insights on Nitric Oxide and Anti-Inflammatory Effects (Pomegranate, Green Coffee Bean, Curcumin, Olive Leaf)

Clinical data underscores nitric oxide's role in vasodilation and inflammation control. Pomegranate's polyphenols reduce arterial stiffness and lower blood pressure. Green coffee bean extract decreases BP and reduces inflammatory biomarkers, tying into broader cardiometabolic research. Curcumin (Turmeric) lowers cytokines and myocardial injury risk by up to 65%. Olive leaf's oleuropein attenuates oxidative stress, supporting recovery and vascular integrity. These findings shape Ů HEART's anti-inflammatory focus, educating users on holistic risk reduction.

Blood Pressure and Rhythm Insights

Insights on Blood Pressure and Rhythm Stability (Hawthorn, Garlic, Hibiscus, Ashwagandha)

Hypertension and arrhythmias like AFib are major targets in Heart Month education. A 2025 study confirmed that hawthorn reduces hypertension. Garlic slows plaque progression and lowers LDL, with anti-clotting benefits post-intervention. Hibiscus studies have demonstrated systolic blood pressure reductions, comparable to some prescription drugs. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol by 23–33% in stressed adults, indirectly lowering BP via HPA axis modulation. These evidence-based inclusions reflect research-driven formulation for sustained cardiac stability.

Antioxidant and Metabolic Insights

Insights on Antioxidant and Metabolic Protection (EGCG, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Berberine, Gymnema)

Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a core theme in cardiac research. EGCG from green tea inhibits ROS and harmful cytokines, improving endothelial function. Resveratrol modulates genes to reduce inflammation in CVD patients. Vitamin C reduces CVD mortality in analyses. Berberine cuts HbA1c by 0.5–0.7% and aids weight loss (2–5%), crucial for diabetes/obesity-linked heart risks. Gymnema blocks sugar absorption, reducing BMI and cravings in trials. This metabolic focus draws from studies linking glucose control to long-term heart protection.

Integrating Ů HEART into Personalized Plans for Long-Term Cardiac Wellness

Personalization, a Heart Month educational pillar, involves tailoring based on individual profiles (e.g., genetics, lab results (BP, lipids, HbA1c), and comorbidities).

Start with a baseline assessment. Consult a cardiologist for tests like ECG, lipid panels, or stress evaluations to identify needs (e.g., prioritize hawthorn/garlic for hypertension history).

Daily Routine: Split doses (e.g., morning for energy boosters like CoQ10/ashwagandha; evening for relaxation aids like hibiscus/gymnema) with meals for absorption. Integrate with AHA-recommended habits: 150 minutes weekly moderate exercise (e.g., walking to enhance nitric oxide effects), a Mediterranean diet low in processed foods (amplifying berberine/gymnema's glucose control), and stress management (e.g., meditation to leverage ashwagandha).

Customization Examples: For hypertension-prone individuals, emphasize hibiscus/hawthorn for BP support, tracking via home monitors; add 4–8 weeks for effects. In diabetes/obesity, focus on berberine/gymnema for metabolic aid, pairing with weight goals (0.5–1 kg/week loss). For inflammation-driven risks, highlight curcumin/EGCG/resveratrol, monitoring CRP levels.

Monitoring and Adjustment: Track progress quarterly via blood work; adjust doses (e.g., 1–2 capsules daily per label) based on responses. Evidence suggests substantial gains (e.g., 5–10% risk reduction) when combined with lifestyle.

Empower Your Heart This American Heart Month

As American Heart Month 2026 draws to a close, Dr. Allan Stewart's insights underscore Ů HEART as a science-backed ally in the fight against heart disease—the nation's leading killer. This dual morning/evening blend, with synergistic ingredients like DHA, CoQ10, curcumin, and berberine, targets cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and stress when paired with diet, exercise, and medical guidance.

Embrace proactive strategies: track progress with wearables, consult your doctor, and integrate Ů HEART into personalized routines for lasting vascular and metabolic support. Join #OurHearts campaigns to build community momentum toward healthier hearts.

Prioritize prevention today—your future self will thank you. Explore Ů HEART at U Gen Wellness and take the first step toward optimal cardiac wellness.