What other dietary factors influence the development of heart disease?
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Beyond fat and cholesterol, other dietary factors appear to impact the development of atherosclerosis. Studies investigating different diets and the incidence of heart disease have shown that diets richer in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and possibly other diet-derived factors, such as garlic, are associated with a lower incidence of the disease. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains probably exert a beneficial effect in several ways. First, they can replace fat- or cholesterol-rich foods and also provide more essential nutrients compared to less nutrient-dense foods. |
Second, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are sources of health-promoting factors called nutraceuticals which support the body’s disease fighting processes. In addition, smoking has a negative impact by introducing numerous free radical compounds as well as possibly raising blood pressure. On the other hand, regular exercise can promote cardiovascular health by improving circulation, increasing HDL and lowering triglycerides and improving body weight/composition and glucose tolerance.
Does supplemental vitamin C help deter atherosclerotic development?
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Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant and several research studies suggest that people with higher intakes (greater than 300 milligrams daily) by way of food and supplementation can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, other research suggests that maximal status of vitamin C can be achieved at levels approximating 400 milligrams daily. This provides a good level of recommendation for adults (non-smokers) to help prevent heart disease. |
Can vitamin E help prevent heart disease?
Vitamin E provides some protection against heart disease as it circulates throughout the body aboard lipoproteins. As discussed, one of the primary factors associated with atherosclerotic development is the oxidation of fatty acids and proteins in LDL to form oxidized LDL. Vitamin E may provide some antioxidant protection for these molecules. Several large population research studies indicate that people with higher intake levels had a lower incidence of heart attacks and death related to heart disease. Supplementation of 200 IU of vitamin E daily is recommended in addition to food sources.
Does beta-carotene and other carotenoids decrease the risk of heart disease?
Fruit and vegetable are endowed with carotenoids (such as beta-carotene), which function as antioxidants. Being fat-soluble caroteoids circulate throughout the body aboard lipoproteins and provide protection against oxidation (which promotes atherosclerosis). Several large population studies have reported that the incidence of heart disease is lower in people who eat a diet rich in these substances and have higher levels in the blood. However, which carotenoids are more potent or whether they act in tandem and with other factors found in fruits and vegtetables remains to be determined. Along this line of thought it is still unknown whether there is additional benefit of supplementation for individuals eating a diet already rich in carotenoids.
Can garlic help prevent heart disease?
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Garlic has sulfur-containing substances including allicin and its breakdown products diallyl sulfides which are purported to have medicinal properties. There are several reasons to believe that garlic can play a role in preventing heart disease. Garlic derived compounds lessens the activity of the key enzyme in cholesterol formation. However, garlic supplementation has not consistently been show to lower blood cholesterol levels. Researchers have determined that garlic might be an inhibitor of blood clot formation which is a principal cause of heart attacks as well as have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Considered together there is strong reason to believe that garlic can play a contributing role in promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. |
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