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The Relevance of Dietary Polyphenols in Cardiovascular Protection
Ana G Murillo1, Maria L Fernandez1
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|March 31, 2017
Summary
Dietary polyphenols, found in foods like berries and tea, offer significant cardiovascular protection by combating oxidation and improving heart health markers. These natural compounds reduce risks associated with hypertension, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polyphenols possess antioxidant properties due to their chemical structure, enabling free radical quenching.
- These compounds are abundant in various plant-based foods such as grapes, berries, dark chocolate, coffee, and tea.
- Dietary polyphenols are linked to protective effects against hypertension, dyslipidemias, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the cardioprotective effects of dietary polyphenols.
- To consolidate findings from epidemiological, clinical, animal, and cell studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature including epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of clinical intervention data.
- Examination of findings from animal and cell-based research.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols reduce cholesterol absorption, impacting hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and lowering plasma lipids.
- They decrease activity in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, contributing to improved blood pressure.
- Polyphenols enhance nitric oxide production and improve endothelial function, crucial for cardiovascular health.
Conclusions:
- Dietary polyphenols demonstrate significant cardioprotective effects through multiple mechanisms.
- Evidence from diverse study types supports their role in mitigating cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- Incorporating polyphenol-rich foods may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.