Nutraceuticals and coronary heart disease

Purpose of reviewAlthough many reviews have focused on diet as a determinant of coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about the use of specific nutrients or food products. The aim of this review was to examine the role of several functional foods, or nutraceuticals, in the prevention or treatment of CHD.Recent findingsCHD continues to be one of the main causes of death in modern societies. Far from diminishing, its prevalence and incidence continue to grow and are probably linked to the increase in metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Numerous preventive measures and treatments are being considered for these metabolic diseases. In this context, nutraceuticals and functional foods are seen as powerful tools for maintaining health and fighting against cardiometabolic risk factors. For example, the association between saturated fat and the development of CHD has been clearly established. However, the consumption of other sources of fat, such as olive oil enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids, has been associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects.SummaryNutraceuticals have demonstrated physiological effects that have a positive influence on the development of atherosclerosis and therefore of CHD.