Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health

An increasing body of epidemiologic evidence supports the concept that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can promote health and attenuate, or delay, the onset of various diseases. Epidemiologic data support the idea that these health benefits are causally linked to the consumption of certain flavo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of clinical nutrition 2005, Vol.81 (1), p.298S-303S
Main Authors: Keen, Carl L, Holt, Roberta R, Oteiza, Patricia I, Fraga, Cesar G, Schmitz, Harold H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
antioxidant activity
Antioxidants
Antioxidants - pharmacokinetics
Antioxidants - therapeutic use
Bioavailability
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Availability
Blood Platelets - drug effects
Cacao
cardioprotective effect
Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology
Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control
Circulatory system
Cocoa
cocoa products
diet
Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects
Endothelium, Vascular - physiology
Feeding. Feeding behavior
flavanols
Flavonoids - pharmacokinetics
Flavonoids - therapeutic use
Fruit
fruits
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Health
Homeostasis - drug effects
Humans
nutritional intervention
plant-based foods
Proanthocyanidins - pharmacokinetics
Proanthocyanidins - therapeutic use
Rats
small fruits
tea
Vegetables
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
wines
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Summary:An increasing body of epidemiologic evidence supports the concept that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can promote health and attenuate, or delay, the onset of various diseases. Epidemiologic data support the idea that these health benefits are causally linked to the consumption of certain flavonoids present in fruit and vegetables. In the context of cardiovascular health, a particular group of flavonoids, namely, the flavan-3-ols (flavanols), has received attention. Flavanol-rich, plant-derived foods and beverages include wine, tea, and various fruits and berries, as well as cocoa and cocoa products. Numerous dietary intervention studies in humans and animals indicate that flavanol-rich foods and beverages might exert cardioprotective effects with respect to vascular function and platelet reactivity. This review discusses the bioactivity of flavanols in the context of cardiovascular health, with respect to their bioavailability, their antioxidant properties, and their vascular effects.
ISSN:0002-9165
1938-3207
DOI:10.1093/ajcn/81.1.298s