A nutritional secret that reduces the risk of heart disease
A new medical study has revealed that regularly consuming certain foods and drinks helps slow down cardiovascular aging.
BMC Medicine reported that a study by researchers from King's College London showed that regularly consuming foods such as tea, coffee, berries, nuts, whole grains and olive oil can significantly contribute to reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.
The findings came after analyzing data from over 3,100 adults enrolled in the British TwinsUK registry over 11 years. Scientists used a new dietary index called the "polyphenol index," which assesses the consumption of 20 plant-based foods rich in polyphenols. The researchers concluded that people who scored high on this index had healthier blood pressure and lipid levels, including higher levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
For the first time, the team analyzed hundreds of polyphenolic metabolites in participants' urine samples, which serve as biological indicators of actual consumption of these plant compounds. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of these metabolites had lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers emphasized that even simple but consistent dietary changes—such as drinking a cup of tea or eating a handful of berries daily—can slow the age-related increase in heart disease risk. However, they stressed the need for further research to confirm these findings.
