A Global Epidemic
WHO report states that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Though preventable, an expected 23.6 million people will die mainly from CVD by 2030. [1]To help support cardiovascular health, the majority of nutraceuticals are directed towards promoting heart and blood vessel health through reduction in the level of body lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride.
In a study involving human subjects, narrowing of the carotid arteries that supply the head and neck with blood regressed in 32% of patients given gamma-tocotrienol rich formulation for two years suggesting that tocotrienols appear to delay the course of plaque formation (atherosclerosis) in blood vessels. [2] Prolonged and uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes can disrupt the lining of blood vessel walls. When these happen, blood vessels may stiffen becoming more susceptible to atherosclerosis. In pre-clinical studies, tocotrienol improved blood vessel function when administered to hypertensive animal models. [3]
See section on tocotrienol’s ability to reduce high cholesterol and triglycerides .
Read Top Articles
1. WHO. http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/
2. Kooyenga DK. Palm oil antioxidant effects in patients with hyperlipidaemia and carotid stenosis-2 year experience. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 6 (1): p. 72-75.