Flavonoids are known to have important health benefits, including some protective effects on the cardiovascular system
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousFlavonoids found in certain foods and plants (such as apples, teas, blueberries, wine, and dark chocolate) are known to have important health benefits, including some protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Foods rich in flavonoids - such as blueberries, apples, pears, red wine and dark chocolate - appear to have positive effects in keeping blood pressure levels in check. An association that is partially explainable with characteristics of the gut microbiome, according to this new study just published.
Our intestinal microbiome plays a key role in the metabolization of flavonoids and in increasing the cardio-protective properties of these substances - explains Aedín Cassidy, author of the study. Ours suggests that these positive effects on heart health and blood pressure can be achieved with simple dietary changes.
Flavonoids are components that occur naturally in nature, and previous studies have already shown their benefits for our health. These are broken down by the gut microbiome, that is, by bacteria found in the gut that play an important role in the prevention or onset of cardiovascular disease - the leading cause of death in the world.
The study was conducted on 904 adults between the ages of 25 and 82, men and women, from Germany: the researchers analyzed their diet, the functioning of their gut microbiome and blood pressure levels, leading to the at the same time other clinical examinations at regular time intervals.
Participants' intake of flavonoids throughout the year was derived from questionnaires on the foods they habitually consumed (specifying the frequency and quantity of foods consumed). In addition to this, other factors were also taken into account such as physical activity, sex, age, smoking habit, body mass index.
Participants who ate the largest amounts of flavonoid-rich foods (wine, apples, pears, blueberries) had lower blood pressure levels and better gut microbiome functioning than participants who did not take many flavonoids. One cup of blueberries per day (80 grams) is enough to reduce blood pressure by 4.1 mm Hg, or drink three glasses of red wine per week (each 125 ml glass) to lower blood pressure by 3.7 mm Hg.
We need to continue our studies in this direction to better understand the role of the microbiome and metabolism in regulating the effects of flavonoids on blood pressure. experts. - A better understanding of the high variability in flavonoid metabolism could explain why some people benefit more from eating flavonoid-rich foods than others.
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Fonte: American Heart Association
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