Cranberry Now Recognized For Heart Health

Flavonoid - OPCs (oligomeric procyanidins) Now Recognized As Beneficial for Heart Health...

Fruit Sources of Antioxidants, Carotenoids, Phytochemicals Suppling High OPC Flavonoid Levels Are Proven Beneficial For Supporting Cardiovascular Health.

Cranberry juice rich in antioxidant procyanidins is effective at boosting the health of blood vessels, thereby supporting previous research supporting the cardiovascular health of such compounds.

While the potential heart health benefits of flavonoid-rich diets have been reported previously, there was uncertainty about which specific phytochemicals present in flavonoid-rich foods provide the most the benefits, according to the British and Japanese researchers behind the new study.

Findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicate that oligomeric procyanidins (OPC) had "by far the most potent effects" on the function of the endothelium (the cells lining blood vessels).

The research also builds the science and understanding surrounding the consumption of cranberry juice. "Cranberry consumption is mostly studied in relation to the beneficial effects of A-type procyanidins on urinary tract health," explained the researchers. "However, when the anti-atherosclerotic actions of OPC are also considered, the daily consumption of cranberry juice is likely to have multiple health benefits."

Study details

The researchers tested the effects of flavonoids on endothelial function. The in vitro tests focussed on measuring of synthesis of the vasoconstrictors endothelin-1 (ET-1).

Extracts of cranberry and cranberry juice (Ocean Spray Cranberries) compared to apple, cocoa, red wine, and green tea showed that OPC content determined the extent of inhibition of ET-1 synthesis, they said. Procyanidin-rich extracts of cranberry juice were also found to produce changes in the morphology of endothelial cells that were independent of the compounds' antioxidant activity.

"In agreement with previous studies on cultured endothelial cells or isolated vessels, compared to flavonoid monomers, OPC have by far the most potent effects on endothelial function," wrote the researchers. "Whether this is also true following dietary consumption of products containing OPC requires a more detailed examination of the relationship between bioavailability and functional effects," they added.

Most studies have shown a benefit of OPCs with doses in the range of 100 to 300 milligrams a day, with the researchers recommending doses of 100 to 200 mg per day.

According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet should provide an adequate intake of OPCs, but studies have suggested that intake of an average diet is only about 25 mg per day.

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Published online "Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Function by Procyanidin-Rich Foods and Beverages"


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