Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially those of the omega-3 series (EPA and DHA from fish), are known for their anti-inflammatory activity. This effect is important for the prevention/treatment of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease or rheumatoid arthritis. The latest paper by the group of Francesco Visioli (Universite “Pierre et Marie Curie”, Paris) now adds a new piece to the puzzle of how PUFA exert their beneficial activity in the cardiovascular system: by lowering the load of potentially deleterious oxidative and nitrosative stress.

“In conclusion, based on in vivo data showing reduced excretion of lipid peroxidation products, namely isoprostanes, after polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and our data on ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and direct superoxide scavenging by (long chain) PUFAs, notably those of the omega-3 series, we propose that this series of fatty acids might indirectly act as anti- rather than pro-oxidant in vascular endothelial cells, hence diminishing inflammation and, in turn, the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.”

As mentioned above, it is important to note that the antioxidant effect was not associated with a direct oxidation of the omega fatty acids, indicating that alterations in cellular signaling (and thus indirect antioxidant mechanisms) might be responsible for the observed antioxidant activity in vitro.

As the situation usually is more complex in vivo, the authors point out that additional research is required to determine whether the same effect(s) occur in animals and/or humans, too.

The manuscript has been published online in Pharmacological Research on March 18.

• Which fats you should limit or avoid?
• Which are better for you than others?
• Which foods contain which types of fat?
• How many calories – and how much fat – you should eat each day?
• If foods labeled “trans fat-free” are always healthy?

If you know the answers to the above, then give yourself a pat on the back. According to a survey conducted for the American Heart Association (AHA), less than than half of Americans know that the “better” fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can help reduce their risk of heart disease, and you’re probably one of them!

To increase awareness about healthy fats and to help people make better fat choices, AHA has created the Face the Fats website. You’ve got to see it! The website contains possibly everything you want to know about fats, the good and the bad, in easily digestible language.

Go, visit the website, know more about fats and healthy eating choices, and meet these characters: the Better Fats Sisters, Mon and Poly and the Bad Fats Brothers, Sat and Trans.

Image from: American Heart Association

Luteolin, a plant flavonoid found in celery and green peppers has been found to reduce inflammatory response in the brain and may thus have a potential role in treating neuroinflammation as a result of aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Graduate research assistant Saebyeol Jang studied the inflammatory response in microglial cells. She spurred inflammation by exposing the cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of many common bacteria. Those cells that were also exposed to luteolin showed a significantly diminished inflammatory response. Jang showed that luteolin was shutting down production of a key cytokine in the inflammatory pathway, interleukin-6 (IL-6). The effects of luteolin exposure were dramatic, resulting in as much as a 90 percent drop in IL-6 production in the LPS-treated cells.

Although in vivo experiments in rats also turned out similar results, let’s not jump into conclusions. I wonder just how much celery and green peppers — not exactly my favorite veggies– are required to produce similar effects in humans, if they will at all.

Photo Credit: MFinderup

In last month’s issue of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, a new study indicates that apples, and moreso, apple juice, bear the same antioxidant powers often attributed to purple grapes, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. It also appears that processing apples into juice may increase the bioavailability of the naturally-occurring compounds and antioxidants found in the fruit.

Using a variety of established analytical techniques, aortic plaque was evaluated to determine the effectiveness in decreasing plaque that is associated with atherosclerosis.

According to the research, “This study demonstrates that processing apples and purple grapes into juice modifies the protective effect of their phenolics against diet induced oxidative stress and early atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.”

Researchers also noted, “These results show for the first time that long-term consumption of antioxidants supplied by apples and purple grapes, especially phenolic compounds, prevents the development of atherosclerosis in hamsters, and that the processing can have a major impact on the potential health effects of a product.”

Yay– apples and apple juice is a mainstay in our pantry and grocery list! We love the cloudy variety of apple juice in particular. How about you?

Pardon the brief hiatus the last several days; I took some time out to deliver a fabulous baby girl …

And as any parent would know, I’m still trying to get the hang of things, trying to find and fall into a new routine that will work for the whole family. The past several days have been exhilarating, an exciting period indeed, but in between feeds, nappy changes, and the rest of the house chores, it’s getting a bit challenging to find the time to update this blog.

Thus, I’m opening the floor for guest bloggers. If you’re interested in contributing an entry about functional foods and nutraceuticals — foods with medicinal and healing properties — just drop me an email at ruth(at)b5media.com. I can’t offer any compensation, though, except for the author credits and a link to your webste or blog.

Looking forward to your submissions!

How do you make a heart healthy meal even heart-healthier? By pairing it with antioxidant-rich wine, of course!

Toast To Mom, a site designed to inspire and support heart healthy lifestyle choices, while raising awareness and funds for women living with heart disease, features 5 recipes from the WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook and pairs them with wines from Clos du Bois, one of America’s best-known wineries and a premier Sonoma County producer of super-premium wines.

Check them out!

Here’s an excellent introductory article about funcitonal foods I thought you all might find interesting: Are functional foods feasible?

The article covers briefly the history of functional foods, and how the market has boomed in the last few decades. Are they worth it? Are they really beneficial? What issues should consumers be aware of?

At any rate I cannot agree enough with the author’s parting shot:

If these enhanced foods do make their way into your pantry, use them as an enhancement rather than a replacement. No substitution exists for a varied and well-balanced diet. If you’re truly concerned about adequateness with your diet, consult a registered dietitian or physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

It’s fairly common knowledge that there’s no cure for the common cold. However, a new study indicates that Wellmune WGP, a natural immune-enhancing ingredient manufactured by Biothera, could prevent fever and alleviate the symptoms of a cold, to the extent that you no longer feel the need to miss work or school due to the cold-like symptoms.

“This study’s results are exciting because they show the potential for Wellmune WGP to naturally enhance the body’s innate immune response to protect against and ameliorate the symptoms of something that every one of us encounters—the common cold. These results are consistent with numerous other immune health studies conducted with our ingredient, and indicate the real-life benefits that Wellmune WGP supplementation can provide.”

What is Wellmune, exactly?

Wellmune WGP is a functional food, beverage and dietary supplement ingredient available worldwide through Biothera and its distributors. This natural compound (gluco polysaccharide) is isolated from the cell walls of a strain of yeast. Wellmune WGP is patented, GRAS-approved, Kosher, non-allergenic and GMO-free. Numerous peer-reviewed studies support the safety and efficacy of Wellmune WGP, which is the culmination of years of research and a technology investment of more than $250 million. Wellmune WGP is available as a soluble and dispersible powder for ease of formulation in a wide range of foods and beverages, including clear liquids.

Find out more from Biothera.

With Mother’s Day and the National Women’s Health Week just around the corner, here’s a wonderful gift idea for all the heart-health conscious women out there: the WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook.

Here’s an excerpt of a review from Publishers Weekly at Amazon:

The introduction explains that scientists have identified 40 foods that can help reduce, prevent, and even reverse heart disease. Those 40 foods—among them chocolate, red wine, tropical fruits, almonds and avocados—are the focus of this health-conscious cookbook. All 175 recipes include one or more of them, and the first section details, food by food, in easily understandable (even occasionally funny) language, why they’re good for you. The recipes are accessible and appealing, if not especially original. The superstar ingredients are marked with a heart symbol; key nutritional information accompanies each entry. The full spectrum of basic food genres is covered, from breakfast foods like Broccoli and Cheese Strata (featuring egg whites), Asparagus Frittata (using egg substitute) and Green Tea–Oatmeal Pancakes to desserts such as Orange Pistachio Cake and an antioxidant-rich but still decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake.

On the other hand, why only mom’s and women? I’m sure everyone can benefit from these recipes!

Two new studies presented at the Experimental Biology Annual Meeting suggest that Diabetinol, an all-natural dietary supplement made from citrus, may help lower blood glucose levels and be beneficial in lowering the risks of heart disease and diabetic complications in people with type 2 diabetes.

“Our scientifically validated testing has consistently shown that Diabetinol™ improves blood glucose numbers. This time we saw a sizeable change in glucose intolerance in just a short time. This is good news for many of the 21 million Americans with diabetes. Tighter blood sugar control may mean less diabetic complications like nerve pain and kidney disease. And, that could mean less disability and expense from complications and associated medications and certainly less stress for the patient.”

A six-month study is underway to evaluate Diabetinol treatment in a larger sample of people with type 2 diabetes.