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Polyphenols for Cholesterol Management

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Dyslipidemias

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Abstract

In recent years, the effects of various polyphenols on cardiovascular risk markers have been examined. We here focus on flavonoids from cocoa, the stilbene trans-resveratrol, and green tea catechins. Short-term studies (< 2 weeks) suggested beneficial effects of flavanol-rich cocoa products or dark chocolate consumption on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but these effects were not confirmed in longer-term studies. Trans-resveratrol had no effects. Green tea catechins significantly lowered LDL cholesterol. One meta-analysis suggested beneficial, but small effects of chocolate and cocoa on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. None of the polyphenols affected serum triacylglycerol. There is also evidence that chocolate, cocoa, and/or cocoa flavanols beneficially affect flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Finally, attention is paid to the mechanisms underlying the effects of cocoa flavonoids and of trans-resveratrol on dyslipidemia management and endothelial function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    MSc Sanne M. van der Made & PhD Ronald P. Mensink

Authors
  1. MSc Sanne M. van der Made
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  2. PhD Ronald P. Mensink
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Correspondence to Ronald P. Mensink .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA

    Abhimanyu Garg

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© 2015 Humana Press

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van der Made, S., Mensink, R. (2015). Polyphenols for Cholesterol Management. In: Garg, A. (eds) Dyslipidemias. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-424-1_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-424-1_22

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-423-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-424-1

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