Insights & Discussion
Consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa products has been shown to significantly reduce serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC), indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.
The research aimed to investigate the impact of dark chocolate and cocoa product consumption on lipid profiles, particularly focusing on LDL, TC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). A thorough literature search identified 10 clinical trials involving 320 participants, with intervention durations ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in both LDL (difference in means: -5.90 mg/dl) and TC (difference in means: -6.23 mg/dl) levels following the consumption of dark chocolate or cocoa products. However, no statistically significant effects were observed for HDL and TG. These findings suggest short-term beneficial effects on total and LDL cholesterol with no major impact on HDL and TG.
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Eating plums, especially dried plums, significantly lowers LDL levels and total cholesterol levels, particularly in adults with existing health issues.
2024 Food Science & Nutrition The effects of plum products consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis Heydarian A, Tahvilian N, Asbaghi O, Cheshmeh S, Nadery M, Aryaeian N
Systematic Review Cholesterol LDL Plum
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using keyword searches on databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to a specified date. They were on a mission to find eligible trials that would help ascertain the benefits of plum consumption on adult lipid profiles.
In their observation of the collected data, they concluded that plum, specifically dried plum consumption, had a noteworthy impact on LDL levels, mainly when the subjects were in an unhealthy state. This consumption led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels in the unhealthy subjects. Nevertheless, the study couldn't establish major changes in triglycerides and HDL concentrations as a result of the plum consumption.
Sardines, being an affordable source of Omega-3 and other cardioprotective nutrients, can potentially reduce the need for Omega-3 supplementation and manage cardiometabolic diseases.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation: Beyond omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits Santos HO, May TL, Bueno AA
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Cholesterol High Blood Pressure
The abstract primarily acknowledges the importance of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with respect to managing diseases related to heart health and metabolism, for instance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, and fatty liver disease. However, these fatty acids are not the sole beneficial component of sardines. Minerals including but not limited to calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as substances like taurine and arginine found in sardines have a significant role in controlling mild inflammation and oxidative stress which are usually present in cardiovascular diseases and hemodynamic dysfunction.
The results discussed in the abstract suggest a positive correlation between consumption of sardines and potential cardiometabolic benefits. By considering the dose-response relationship effects, a pragmatic approach towards consumption of nutrients was suggested. The intake of sardines was seen not only as a means of Omega-3 supplementation but also as a comprehensive approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. The abstract concludes with an emphasis on the many beneficial nutrients found in sardines besides Omega-3, underlining the need to shift the focus from synthetic supplementation to natural dietary improvement.
Cocoa extract supplementation in older adults reduced cardiovascular disease related death rates, but did not significantly lessen total cardiovascular events.
2022 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Effect of cocoa flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial Sesso HD, Manson JAE, Aragaki AK, Rist PM, Johnson LG, Friedenberg G, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Cardiovascular Disease Cocoa
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 21,442 US adults aged 60 or over, all of who were free of major cardiovascular disease and recently diagnosed cancer. The participants were assigned to either a cocoa extract supplement, which included 500 mg flavanols per day, or a placebo. The intervention phase ran from June 2015 to December 2020. The primary outcome was focused on the number of total cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death among others.
The results showed that during a median follow-up of 3.6 years, there were 410 participants taking cocoa extract and 456 under placebo who had confirmed total cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints showed reduced death due to cardiovascular disease for the cocoa extract supplement users. However, there was no significant impact on the incidence of total cardiovascular events. Conversely, a lower risk of total cardiovascular events was supported when analyses were censored at nonadherence. Overall, no safety concerns were raised during the trial.
Oat supplementation interventions can improve cardiovascular health markers among adults, regardless of their diet or metabolic conditions.
2022 European Journal of Nutrition Effect of oat supplementation interventions on cardiovascular disease risk markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Llanaj E, Dejanovic GM, Valido E, Bano A, Gamba M, Kastrati L, et al.
Meta-Analysis Cardiovascular Disease Cholesterol Oats
The methodology involved analyzing various randomized clinical trials that tested how oats, or extracts rich in oat beta-glucan and avenanthramides affected markers of cardiovascular disease risk. The sample population was predominantly subjects with high cholesterol, obesity, and mild metabolic disturbances. Interventions were compared to control arms without oats.
In the discussion on results, it was found that subjects receiving the oat supplementation had improved health metrics such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, glucose levels, body mass index, weight, and waist circumference. However, when the oat supplementation was compared to heterogeneous interventions, like wheat, eggs, rice, etc., reductions in the levels of glycated haemoglobin, diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were also seen. Despite these promising results, there were some concerns around the bias risk associated with the majority of included randomized clinical trials.
The consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
2021 Phytotherapy Research The effect of cocoa/dark chocolate consumption on lipid profile, glycemia, and blood pressure in diabetic patients: A meta‐analysis of observational studies Darand M, Hajizadeh Oghaz M, Hadi A, Atefi M, Amani R
Systematic Review Blood Sugar Cocoa Dark Chocolate
A systematic search of databases identified eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 433 participants for meta-analysis. The results demonstrated a substantial reduction in LDL-c levels (WMD: −15.49 mg/dl) and FBS concentrations (WMD: −6.88 mg/dl) following cocoa/dark chocolate consumption. The study emphasizes the potential positive effects of cocoa/dark chocolate on the metabolic profile of diabetic individuals.
The meta-analysis included RCTs focusing on cocoa/dark chocolate interventions in diabetic patients, with a significant pooled analysis showing reduced LDL-c and FBS levels. The findings suggest that incorporating cocoa/dark chocolate in the diet of diabetic individuals could be beneficial for managing lipid profile and glycemia. Further research is necessary to solidify these insights and understand the complete impact on metabolic health.
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