Oral supplements of flavonoids commonly found in onions and tea may enhance the function of the lining of blood vessels, according to new research from Australia.
A daily dose of quercetin or (-)-epicatechin led to improvements in endothelial function (blood pumping efficiency), a key marker of cardiovascular health, according to results of a small randomized, placebo-controlled (the volunteers don't know whether they're taking the substance or not so there are no psychological effects), crossover trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Numerous studies have shown that acute and repetitive consumption of flavonoid-rich foods for up to four weeks can improve endothelial function in both subjects with coronary artery disease and healthy volunteers,” wrote the researchers, led by Professor Kevin Croft from the University of Western Australia. So basically drink tea and eat onions, but as in all things, with moderation.
A daily dose of quercetin or (-)-epicatechin led to improvements in endothelial function (blood pumping efficiency), a key marker of cardiovascular health, according to results of a small randomized, placebo-controlled (the volunteers don't know whether they're taking the substance or not so there are no psychological effects), crossover trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Numerous studies have shown that acute and repetitive consumption of flavonoid-rich foods for up to four weeks can improve endothelial function in both subjects with coronary artery disease and healthy volunteers,” wrote the researchers, led by Professor Kevin Croft from the University of Western Australia. So basically drink tea and eat onions, but as in all things, with moderation.
