Into the Heart

Peaceful Arteries

A bump above the eyebrow or a cut on the arm becomes tender and swollen due to cellular activity. In a similar manner arterial inflammation contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.  Medical studies have found elevated concentrations of inflammation and vascular cell activation markers in individuals with cardiovascular disease.  Dietary components and dietary patterns are thought to influence cardiovascular risk due to their effect on arterial inflammation.

 Foods rich in omega 3 such as walnuts, and cold water fish have been shown to improve endothelial function, and  nuts, cocoa, and berries are associated with less inflammatory biomarkers. Red wine, dark chocolate and tea consumption have been shown to hush  inflammation, and nurture artery health because of there antioxidant properties. Research strongly suggests that diets high in antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables and whole grains decrease inflammation and improve endothelial function.

The post below regards a research study noting how four different dietary patterns influence cardiovascular disease risk.  Keep in mind, most often foods are not consumed in isolation, there is synergy among and within foods. The blended effect of the diet's parts is greater than the individual effects of single foods and nutrients.

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

Fresh Ginger Root: Healthy Arteries

5-lipoxygenase is a member of a large family of enzymes called lipoxygenases.  5-lipoxygenase is expressed in the cardiovascular system: the aorta, coronary, and carotid arteries. Under certain circumstances such as cell oxidation (pollution) this enzymatic pathway generates inflammatory mediators called leukotrienes.

Essentially, select leukotrienes signal and collect fatty type deposits that build-up in the arteries. Inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase enzyme helps protective the aorta, coronary, and carotid arteries from damage and irritation.

Medical research suggests that ginger, the underground stem of the plant Zingiber Officinale suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis by inhibiting 5-lipooxygenase. This is significant because ginger is now thought to possess duel anti-inflammatory inhibitor properties via leukotriene and prostaglandin pathways.

Ginger has been found to suppresses prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, much like non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). For generations ginger root has been used as an herbal medicinal product to suppress nausea, soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Fresh ginger root is available at the produce section in most food stores. It is a light weight, low cost item. Fresh grated ginger provides a warm and spicy substitute for salt when preparing certain meals and a healthy substitute for sugar in fresh baked cookies & muffins.

Keep in mind, omega 3 fatty acids from cold water fish (salmon, albacore tuna) also help inhibit inflammation that initiates and inflames fatty build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Omega 3 fatty acids help suppress three types of inflammatory mediators: prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. Blending ginger and omega 3 fatty acids into meal planning will help block inflammation that brews and becomes troublesome in the arteries.


Sources:
The 5-Lipoxygenase as a Common Pathway for Pathological Brain and Vascular Aging
Cardiovascular Psychiatry and Neurology Volume 2009
Jin Chu MD, Domenico Praticò MD

Ginger: An Herbal Medicinal Product with Broad Anti-inflammatory Actions
Journal Med Food 2005
Grzanna R, Lindmark L