Beautiful Food Hushes Arterial Inflammation

Dietary patterns influence cardiovascular disease risk through effects on inflammation and endothelial activation within the artery. The endothelium is a thin lining covering the internal surface of blood vessels. Blood moving through the arteries glides along side the protective endothelium lining.

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis examined the relationship between dietary patterns and markers of inflammation and endothelial activation. In this study, concentrations of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, homocysteine, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble E selectin were assessed in 5089 non diabetic participants.

With this study four dietary patterns were analysis. The dietary pattern of fats, oils, processed meats, fried potatoes, salty snacks, and desserts was associated with inflammation, noted by  C-reactive protein , interleukin 6, and homocysteine.

The beans, tomatoes, refined grains, and high-fat dairy products diet pattern was associated with  intercellular adhesion molecule-1activity. In the artery, cell adhesion molecules draw monocyte cells to the endothelium . . . The monocyte cell then nests between the endothelial cells and become swollen with oxidized LDL cholesterol. This swollen cholesterol tends to bubble and brew, eventually causing arterial build up.

However, in the study a diet that emphasized whole grains, fruit, nuts, and green leafy vegetables suppressed/hushed inflammatory messengers: C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, homocysteine, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1activity. The fish and dark-yellow, cruciferous, and vegetables dietary pattern suppressed interleukin 6.

The inflammation associated  (C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and homocysteine) with the fats and processed meats dietary pattern was independent of demographics and lifestyle factors.

The lack of inflammation (the goal is less inflammation) associated with the whole grains and fruit dietary patterns was also independent of demographics and lifestyle factors.

The results of this study indicate race or ethnicity does not generate inflammation in the arteries. More so, a dietary pattern contributes to arterial inflammation. A whole grains, fruit, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fish diet comforts the protective endothelium and reduces arterial stress/inflammation.

For three peaceful recipes to hush arterial inflammation visit:
http://www.ForHerHeart.org/a.aspx

Source:
Dietary patterns are associated with biochemical markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 6, 1369-1379, June 2006
Jennifer A Nettleton, Lyn M Steffen