Effects of Some Common Food Constituents on Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and there is considerable interest in the role of dietary constituents and supplements in the prevention and treatment of these disorders. We reviewed the major publications related to potential effects on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes of some common dietary constituents: carotenoids, flavonoid-rich cocoa, tea, red wine and grapes, coffee, omega-3 fatty acids, and garlic. Increased intake of some of these has been associated with reduced all-cause mortality or reduced incidence of myocardial infraction, stroke, and hypertension. However, although the evidence from observational studies is supportive of beneficial effects for most of these foodstuffs taken as part of the diet, potential benefits from the use of supplements derived from these natural products remain largely inconclusive.

Collected Research on Phytonutrients: Flavonoids

“…Quercetin has a wide range of cellular protective properties against diseases including osteoporosis, certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity (Braun et al, 2011;Cassidy et al, 2011;Ekstro et al, 2011;Gibellini et al, 2011;Gingras & Béliveau, 2011;Khoo et al, 2010;Lam et al, 2010;Stewart et al, 2008;Yang et al, 2011). The protection of quercetin against disease development is through its antioxidative, antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antineoplastic, and antihypertensive properties.…”

“…In the fight against cardiovascular disease, quercetin has been shown to lower hypertension among the women participants in the Nurses' Health Study by Cassidy and colleagues (Cassidy et al, 2011). Also, in a literature review by Yang et al (2011), quercetin was associated with more cardiovascular protective events. For instance, a high intake of quercetin was shown to reduce the incident of heart attacks and sudden death in elderly men, aged 65 to 84 years, in a study performed in the Netherlands (Duchnowicz et al, 2012).…”

Effects of Bilberry Supplementation on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

“…Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome and CVD. Polyphenolics present in fruits and vegetables have been shown to provide diverse cardioprotective effects [9]. Berries, particularly bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) which belongs to the heather family (Ericaceae), have a very high content of anthocyanins, which are polyphenolic compounds that give berries their red/purple/blue coloration [8,10].…”

Efeito da Ingestão de Dose Única de Vinho Tinto na Hipotensão Pós-Exercício

“…Adicionalmente, evidências demonstram que alimentos como chocolate 2 , chá verde 3,4 e uva, seja em forma de suco 5 ou vinho tinto 6,7 reduzem a pressão arterial de repouso.…”