Functional Food and Bioactive Compounds on the Modulation of the Functionality of HDL-C: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a serious public health problem and are the primary cause of death worldwide. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been identified as one of the most important molecules in the prevention of CVD due to its multiple anti-inflammatories, anti-atherogenic, and antioxidant properties. Currently, it has been observed that maintaining healthy levels of HDL-C does not seem to be sufficient if the functionality of this particle is not adequate. Modifications in the structure and composition of HDL-C lead to a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and dysfunctional version of the molecule. Various assays have evaluated some HDL-C functions on risk populations, but they were not the main objective in some of these. Functional foods and dietary compounds such as extra virgin olive oil, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fresh fish, quercetin, curcumin, ginger, resveratrol, and other polyphenols could increase HDL functionality by improving the cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity. Nevertheless, additional rigorous research basic and applied is required in order to better understand the association between diet and HDL functionality. This will enable the development of nutritional precision management guidelines for healthy HDL to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults. The aim of the study was to increase the understanding of dietary compounds (functional foods and bioactive components) on the functionality of HDL.

Bioactive Components in Whole Grains for the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Function

“…As a special subclass of flavonoids, quercetin is a natural bioactive compound abundantly present in common cereal grains, especially in buckwheat [ 64 ], followed by rice [ 50 ], quinoa [ 42 ], corn [ 43 ] and oat [ 39 ]. Quercetin has displayed notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and shows potential benefits for muscle function [ 65 ]. By increasing the expression of adiponectin, quercetin stimulates muscle-fiber-type transformation from fast-twitch to slow-twitch myofibers [ 66 ].…”

The Role of High-Density Lipoprotein in Cardiovascular Disease: Benefits, Functions, and Treatments

“…Exercise is associated with higher HDL levels and better HDL performance such as the concentrations and functionality, however diets have a two-sided effect, meaning that different dietary patterns may have distinct beneficial or detrimental effects on HDL effectiveness [9]. According to some studies on the relationship between food and HDL, it suggested that a nutritious diet, which mostly consisted of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, nuts, and olive oil, could boost the amount of HDL cholesterol particles in the blood [9]. Based on ACC/AHA 2019 guidelines for a healthy dietary pattern to prevent CVD, they recommend that decreasing the daily intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), processed meats and sodium; and limit the consumption of high-sugar beverages and trans fats [9].…”

“…According to some studies on the relationship between food and HDL, it suggested that a nutritious diet, which mostly consisted of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, nuts, and olive oil, could boost the amount of HDL cholesterol particles in the blood [9]. Based on ACC/AHA 2019 guidelines for a healthy dietary pattern to prevent CVD, they recommend that decreasing the daily intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), processed meats and sodium; and limit the consumption of high-sugar beverages and trans fats [9]. Additionally, the plant-based dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), has been considered one of the healthy diet ways to prevent CVD because traditional MD has consisted of low saturated fat, and trans-fat and is rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre [10].…”

“…As it breaks adhesion, releases macrophages from artery walls, and promotes healing, resveratrol, an important antioxidant present in red grapes and red wine, can assist in goal which remove the macrophages from arterial walls [10]. Moreover, the majority of the MD is made up of extra virgin olive oil, which further contains abundant nutrients such polyphenols, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids [9]. Following the observation taken by Farras et al ( 2017), the HDL-antioxidant level in a group of adults with hypercholesterolemia increased and the cholesterol efflux was raised by 1.3% by consumption of phenol-rich olive oils [9].…”

“…Moreover, the majority of the MD is made up of extra virgin olive oil, which further contains abundant nutrients such polyphenols, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids [9]. Following the observation taken by Farras et al ( 2017), the HDL-antioxidant level in a group of adults with hypercholesterolemia increased and the cholesterol efflux was raised by 1.3% by consumption of phenol-rich olive oils [9]. Moreover, the essential characteristics of fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).…”