The ongoing debate about the effectiveness of antioxidants in protecting against cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death today, has resurfaced. While numerous potential factors increase risks and accelerate cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation and oxidization from free radical molecules are the primary culprits. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress from free radical damage could be at the root of almost all chronic, life-threatening illnesses, especially cardiovascular disease, suggesting that antioxidants play a critical protective role.
Conflicting Data
Population studies on the cardiovascular advantages of antioxidants have shown mixed results. A 2013 meta-analysis review examining multiple clinical trials suggested that antioxidant supplements and dietary supplements of vitamins A, C, and E offer little or no protection against cardiovascular disease and may even be harmful. However, whole foods such as fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant substances and other phytonutrients showed a significantly reduced risk of heart failure in women in a 2013 study.
Whole Nutrition and Tibetan Herbalism
Whole foods, herbs, and extracts contain a wealth of additional phytonutrients, enzymes, and minerals, offering comprehensive health support. A whole-food dietary therapy with various colorful fruits, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, and sprouted whole grains provide a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, and high-quality protein. The diverse array of phytonutrients provided by consuming different nutrient-dense foods or blending certain herbal ingredients results in several synergistic actions that enhance the body’s ability to absorb more antioxidants from the food.
The Strategy of Synergy
The synergistic actions of compounds from food and herbs working together to enhance each other’s benefits have been well-established, offering more significant health effects and protection against disease. For example, adding lemon to green tea increases the body’s and absorption of antioxidants from the tea. Consumbing a diverse selection of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to maintain cardiovascular health and overall wellness.
A comprehensive report on cardiovascular health is available for further reading.
