ST. CHARLES, Mo.–Olive extract, lycopene, chitin-glucan and green tea are promising nutrients present in the Mediterranean diet that have been shown in clinical trials to reduce oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), a pro-atherogenic mediator and biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a recent article written by Joseph L. Evans, Ph.D., manager, pharmacology for Stratum Nutrition and Novus Research fellow (Agro Food Industry.2011 March/April;40-2). Supplements that contain these natural ingredients may therefore help reduce the growing incidence of CVD.
"There are several historically-used measurements for identifying individuals at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, including levels of LDL- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol and high blood pressure to name a few," Evans noted. "However, there are other biomarkers, including OxLDL and the OxLDL / HDL cholesterol ratio that have been shown in clinical research to be more sensitive indicators for discriminating between individuals with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) when compared to the commonly measured biomarkers. And consuming a Mediterranean diet is an effective way to reduce levels of OxLDL and improve overall cardiovascular health."
The traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in foods with strong antioxidant properties, such as fruits, vegetables, olive oil and nuts. Research has indicated that the nutrients contained in these foods increase the expression of those genes involved in our body's antioxidant defense system, and suppress those genes involved in advancing inflammation and atherogenesis. While the precise mechanism(s) responsible for nutrient-mediated reduction in OxLDL is unknown, it likely involves the increased expression of circulating and intracellular antioxidant enzymes, along with the inhibition of enzymes that contribute to increased production of reactive oxygen species.
