Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health.

Plain Language Summary

Nutritionally poor diets can have a significant negative impact on cardiovascular health, whereas dietary interventions with specific nutrients and/or functional foods are considered cost-effective and efficient components of prevention strategies. This review examined the role of overall nutrition, specific nutrients, foods and dietary practices in relation to cardioprotection and prevention of cardiovascular disease. All contributions show that nutrition plays an important role in cardiovascular health and disease. In fact, nutrients exhibit a diverse range of properties ranging from anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to metabolic, molecular and membrane actions. Thus, a balanced and varied diet of food items can provide different benefits which can be key to cardiovascular health. Authors conclude by highlighting the importance for further investigation and advancement in understanding the essential role of nutrition in cardiovascular health and disease treatment and/or prevention.