Potential of Beetroot and Blackcurrant Compounds to Improve Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities, which together lead to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as reduced quality of life. Dietary nitrate, betalains and anthocyanins may improve risk factors for MetS and reduce the risk of development of CHD and T2DM. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrate, and anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in blackcurrants. This narrative review considers the efficacy of beetroot and blackcurrant compounds as potential agents to improve MetS risk factors, which could lead to decreased risk of CHD and T2DM. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these outcomes may occur, and chronic supplementation studies in humans may corroborate promising findings from animal models and acute human trials.

Beta vulgaris L. (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract Prevents Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Damage in T2DM Rats by Hypoglycemic, Insulin-Sensitizing, Antioxidant Effects, and Upregulation of PPARα

“…The hypolipidemic effect of beetroot juice or extract is well-reported in healthy individuals, rodents, rabbits fed a “cholesterol diet”, and diabetic animals [ 51 , 52 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ]. In most of these studies, the beneficial effects of beer root included lowering circulatory CHOL, TGs, and LDL-c levels and increasing HDL-c levels.…”

Comparative study on the efficacy of statin therapy in lowering cholesterol and assessing the risk of metabolic syndrome in patients under statins therapy

“…Metabolic syndrome is a disorder that increases the risk of CHD [10][11][12][13][14]. During 6 months period, a total of 100 participants were collected.…”

Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…However, numerous adverse effects and the high cost of medication treatment [ 9 ], failing to meet the minimal recommended level of physical exercise [ 8 ], hard-to-follow diet regime [ 5 ], and requiring strong mind control to change the mindset and control thoughts [ 9 ] were reported. Therefore, cost-effective approaches on using bioactive compounds [ 10 ], nutraceuticals and supplements on prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases such as T 2 DM emerged. In addition, there are increased concerns about the use of bioactive compounds [ 10 ], nutraceuticals, and supplements for managing MetS [ 11 ].…”

“…Therefore, cost-effective approaches on using bioactive compounds [ 10 ], nutraceuticals and supplements on prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases such as T 2 DM emerged. In addition, there are increased concerns about the use of bioactive compounds [ 10 ], nutraceuticals, and supplements for managing MetS [ 11 ].…”