Cholesterol
Why a healthy diet with antioxidants helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Worldwide, 31% of people die annually from the consequences of cardiovascular disease. This is often caused by risk factors such as (low-grade) inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by, among other things, smoking, medication, excessive alcohol consumption, overexposure to the sun, intensive sports, obesity, hypoglycemia and possibly depression.
Research
A survey was conducted among 9709 men aged 50 to 59, from Northern Ireland or France and without heart disease. First of all,the men were checked whether there were risk factors that would increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Issues such as nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, blood pressure and sportsmanship. In addition, the oxidants in the blood were measured, after which the men were followed for 10 years.
Results
The result showed that men with a low oxidant status were more likely to die prematurely or to develop heart disease earlier, regardless of lifestyle and traditional cardiovascular and socio-economic risk factors.
The researchers concluded that eating enough vegetables, fruits and nuts has a beneficial effect on the prevention of heart disease and premature death, because these are precisely rich in antioxidants.
Grapes
Eating enough Vitamin C, Vitamin D and polyphenols are a good solution. These are mainly found in vegetables, fruit and nuts. Grapes, in particular, are a huge source of polyphenols.
The kernel, skin and grape flesh contain a broad spectrum of polyphenols. These foods are rich in a wide variety of different oxidants and thus have a beneficial effect on the prevention of heart disease and premature death
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-020-02455-2
https://www.medischdossier.org/antioxidanten-overlijden/