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Published on: April 27, 2016
Iberian Cured-Ham Consumption Improves Endothelial Function in Healthy Subjects
J Saban-Ruiz1, M Fabregate-Fuente, R Fabregate-Fuente
1Jose Saban-Ruiz, Unidad de Patología Endotelial. Edificio Consultas Externas. Planta 0. Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Carretera de Colmenar Km 9,100. 28034 Madrid, Spain, Telephone number: +34 913368947, Fax number: +34 917293072, psaban@gmail.com.
Regular consumption of Iberian cured-ham (ICH) significantly improved endothelial function in healthy adults by reducing PAI-1 levels and enhancing microvascular response. These benefits persisted even after discontinuing ICH intake, suggesting a positive impact on vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutrition Science
- Endothelial Function Research
Background:
- Dietary components like oleic acid and polyphenols are known to benefit endothelial health.
- The impact of regular Iberian cured-ham (ICH) consumption on endothelial function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of regular Iberian cured-ham (ICH) consumption on endothelial function in healthy adults.
- To evaluate changes in biomarkers of endothelial function, oxidative stress, and vascular parameters.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, randomized controlled study involving 102 healthy adults over 6 weeks.
- Participants were assigned to an ICH-enriched diet or a control diet.
- Endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness were measured before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- ICH consumption led to a significant decrease in PAI-1 levels and a significant increase in microvascular vasodilatory response.
- No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress, hemodynamic, or clinical parameters.
- Improvements in PAI-1 persisted for 6 weeks after ICH consumption ceased.
Conclusions:
- Regular consumption of Iberian cured-ham (ICH) demonstrably improves endothelial function in healthy adults.
- These findings suggest potential benefits for vascular aging and overall vascular health beyond preventing atherothrombotic disease.
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