Association between the Phytochemical Index and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Adults

Abstract

Chronic non-communicable diseases, which include cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases, 1 are responsible for approximately 38 million deaths per year, equivalent to approximately 70% of all deaths worldwide. 2 Among chronic non-communicable diseases, about 45%, more than 17 million deaths worldwide, are caused by CVD. 2 In Brazil, 72% of deaths occur due to chronic noncommunicable diseases, 30% due to CVD. 2 Several factors increase the risk of CVD, including high levels of total cholesterol, 3-5 high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), 3-5 high triglycerides, 5 low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), 5 hyperglycemia, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, systemic arterial hypertension, and obesity. 6 There is evidence that higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a lower risk of CVD. [7][8][9] These foods contain, in addition to other substances, different phytochemicals. 10 Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds that occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and oilseeds, 10