Long-term use of antioxidant supplements may provide health benefits for people with heart disease, according to a new study by Israeli scientists.

Researchers at Israel’s Wolfson Medical Center carried out a study on 70 patients at the hospital’s hypertension clinic, giving them either a placebo or a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium for six months.

The results, which were published in the journal, Nutrition and Metabolism, showed that patients who took the antioxidants saw a decrease in blood pressure, and a significant improvement in their glucose and lipid metabolism.

The researchers found that the antioxidant supplements increased the elasticity of the large and small arteries, sugar and fat metabolism, and blood pressure in high-risk patients.