Cholesterol Management
In May 2010, Australia’s Heart Foundation summarised the evidence on antioxidants in food, drinks and supplements for cardiovascular health. It said that fruit and vegetables have been shown to protect against chronic disease, but other foods, such as dark chocolate, and drinks, such as tea, coffee and wine, can be rich in antioxidants, particularly flavinoids, and may also be protective.
Studies indicate that incorporating plant sterols into the diet may be an effective method of lowering total and LDL-cholesterol levels. By consuming plant sterols daily, adults may lower their LDL-cholesterol levels by around 10% depending on the age of the person.
The Heart Foundation published an extensive review of the evidence around dietary fat and dietary sterols for cardiovascular health. This review emphasized both the positive impact of plant sterols in dietary consumption and the efficacy of omega 3 fatty acids in improving heart health.
See also Summary of evidence on phytosterol/stanol enriched foods and associated Position Statement. Both papers are available from www.heartfoundation.org.au.
According to a Medline Plus report, several randomised controlled trials found that in people with a history of heart attack, regular consumption of oily fish or fish oil/omega-3 supplements reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attack, fatal heart attack, sudden death, and all-cause mortality (death due to any cause). Most patients in these studies were also using conventional heart drugs, suggesting that the benefits of fish oils may add to the effects of other therapies.
Heart Foundation (Australia): www.heartfoundation.org.au, phone 1300 362 787
US National Cholesterol Education Program: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm
American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org