Heart disease is a major cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 percent of the deaths in 2006 were from heart disease; men and women died in equal numbers. With statistics like that, it's no wonder people are looking for ways to improve heart health, and that's where antioxidants may be helpful.
About Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances found in foods that are hypothesized to help prevent disease by fighting free radicals. Smoking, environmental contaminants such as pollution and normal body processes create free radicals, which then travel through the body and cause damage to cells. One aspect of this damage is that free radicals add oxygen to low density lipoproteins --- LDLs --- which contributes to the build-up of plaque on artery walls, and can slow or stop blood flow to the heart.
Research From the Cleveland Clinic
Because antioxidants seemed to hold the potential to help slow or reverse the oxidation of LDLs, much research has been done to determine which, if any, antioxidants might be helpful. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic performed a study called a meta-analysis, which is an extensive review of all the available scientific literature on a subject. The researchers commented that the studies were observational rather than clinical trials, but they were able to find seven large studies for review. They reported that vitamin E did not seem to have a beneficial effect. Beta carotene, another antioxidant, actually led to an increase in mortality and a slight increase in cardiovascular death. The results of their analysis were reported in the February 2004 issue of "The Lancet."
American Heart Association Position
The American Heart Association takes a similar view. Although it notes that some of the vitamin E trials indicate potential benefits, the AHA does not suggest taking antioxidant supplements at this time. The AHA does strongly recommend that people eat a balanced diet with an emphasis on antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods especially recommended by the AHA include citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables such as spinach.
Considerations and Warnings
The bottom line at this point is to make sure your diet includes plenty of the recommended foods, which will give you natural antioxidants. Heart disease is a serious medical problem; if you think you might be at risk of developing heart problems, you should consult with a health care professional.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts; December 2010
- "The Lancet"; Use of Antioxidant Vitamins for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials; D. P. Vivekananthan et al.; February 2004
- "Journal of Nutrition"; AHA Scientific Statement: AHA Dietary Guidelines; Ronald M. Krauss et al.; 2001
