Polyphenols are micronutrients found naturally in plants and plant-foods. They can act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals and minimizing LDL oxidation. They are most effective at reducing LDL oxidation when consumed in high amounts without the presence of metabolites and cholesterol found in animal products. Polyphenols may also have an impact on gene expression that suppress atherogenic processes.

Polyphenols

There is an inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and coronary artery disease. According to data from a Nurses' Health Study, each additional serving of leafy green vegetables per day resulted in an 11% decrease in risk for CAD. Research has found that this is strongly correlated to the effects a diet high in polyphenols have on LDL oxidation and preventing further endothelial injury.

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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

As a result of VEC dysfunction, LDL and monocytes migrate into the sub-endothelial space. This is the area located below the endothelial cells. Here, LDL becomes oxidized and promote monocytes to transform to macrophages.

LDL Oxidation

Tuso, P., Stoll, S. R., & Li, W. W. (2015). A plant-based diet, atherogenesis, and coronary artery disease prevention. The Permanente journal, 19(1), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/14-036 

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