A research group led by Dr. Mateu Anguera Tejedor from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain) has discovered several botanically-rich plant extracts with potential cardiovascular benefits, which could prevent serious events such as stroke and heat stroke.
These “superfoods” are commonly found in the Mediterranean diet and many are also popular in cuisines worldwide.
According to a publication in the scientific journal Food Bioscience, among the six standout natural “superfoods” are Crataegus monogyna (a type of hawthorn widely grown in Europe, North Africa, and West Asia), saffron (mainly grown in West Asia and the Mediterranean), and olives.
Notably, the list also includes three easily accessible ingredients in Vietnam: garlic, rosemary, and grapes.
Garlic is renowned for its biologically active compounds such as diallyl trisulfide, allicin, and S-allyl; rosemary provides acids like rosmarinic and carnosic; while grapes boast resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.
These plants offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties, while also regulating lipid metabolism. As a result, they help combat atherosclerosis and hypertension, reducing the risk of dangerous events such as stroke and heat stroke.
As reported by Medical Xpress, the research team emphasized the potential of these natural extracts. However, incorporating them into one’s diet may not provide immediate benefits as consuming them in isolated extract form.
This is due to the “matrix effect,” where the components in a diet may positively or negatively influence the efficacy of each extract.
Therefore, the authors are conducting further studies to determine the optimal dosage and methods of incorporating these plants into the diet to achieve the best results.