Recent discoveries in inclusive food-based approaches and dietary patterns for reduction in risk for cardiovascular disease

Antiatherosclerotic effects of dietary supplementations of garlic and turmeric: Restoration of endothelial function in rats

Protections of endothelial integrity by elimination of certain risk have proven to be effective in maintaining hemostasis and in slowing the progress of the cardiovascular disease. Indigenous drugs are the natural source of protection against these disorders, which can be used more effectively by the knowledge of their active ingredients as well as by their mechanism of action. Most prominent among these drugs are garlic, [Alium sativum L., Family: Liliaceae, Bulbs] and turmeric [Curcuma longa L., Family: Zingiberaceae, Rhizomes]; commonly used Indian traditional spices. In the present study, we examined the atheroscleroprotective potential of diet supplementation of garlic and turmeric by measuring serum lipid profile, changes in cardiovascular parameters i.e. arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram and heart rate. We further tried to elucidate the mechanism of restoration of endothelial function and the role of endothelium-derived factors mainly, nitric oxide (NO) and cycloxygenase derived contracting factors. A notable restoration of arterial blood pressure was seen in animals on garlic and turmeric supplemented diet. Animals on supplemented diet showed a significantly enhanced vasorelaxant response to adenosine, acetylcholine, isoproterenol and contractile effect of 5-hyderoxytryptamine was significantly attenuated. Inhibition of these responses by L-NMMA was smaller in tissues from herbal treated animals. Incubation of tissues with L-arginine (10(-5) M) resulted in a significant reversal of L-NMMA induced inhibition of endothelium-mediated relaxation, which appeared to be pronounced in rings from animals supplemented with herbs as compared to hypercholesterolemic animals. Addition of indomethacin (10(-5) M) augmented the relaxation in all the groups of animals. The present study demonstrated that garlic and turmeric are potent vasorelaxants as well as reduce the atherogenic properties of cholesterol. Whether combination of these vasodilators in cardiovascular disorders with increased peripheral vascular resistance remains to be determined.

Cardiovascular effects of milk enriched with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins E and B6 in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia

OBJECTIVE

Results from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have indicated that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, and folic acid have beneficial effects on health, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the combined effects of these nutrients through the consumption of milk enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, vitamins E and B6, and folic acid on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

Thirty subjects ages 45 to 65 y (51.3 +/- 5.3 y) were given 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk for 4 wk and then 500 mL/d of the enriched milk for 8 wk. Plasma and low-density lipoproteins were obtained at the beginning of the study and at 4, 8, and 12 wk.

RESULTS

Consumption of enriched milk for 8 wk increased plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol (24%), total cholesterol (9%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (13%). Plasma and low-density lipoprotein oxidation and vitamin E concentration remained unchanged throughout the study. Significant decreases in plasma concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (9%) and homocysteine (17%) were found, accompanied by a 98% increase in plasma concentration of folic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Dairy supplementation strategies with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, and vitamins may be useful for decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Nutrition therapy for dyslipidemia

National guidelines indicate patients with elevated low- density lipoprotein cholesterol should consume less than 7% of calories from saturated fat and less than 200 mg of cholesterol. Trans fatty acids should also be limited. Incorporation of functional foods, such as stanol-containing margarine, soy products, and soluble fiber-rich cereals and vegetables can provide further benefit. In addition to weight loss and physical activity, individuals with hypertriglyceridemia benefit from a diet moderate in fat and carbohydrate rather than a low-fat diet. Including monounsaturated or omega-3 fatty acids lowers serum triglycerides. Many of the dietary strategies to optimize serum lipids also contribute to glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.