The vascular endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels that regulates arterial and venous health. The reason for many circulatory problems is the breakdown of endothelial function and structure. Fortunately, scientists have discovered three nutrients that have been clinically shown to help maintain healthy endothelial function and arterial circulation.
Pomegranate promotes cardiovascular health
In a group of aging humans with risk factors for cardiovascular events, pomegranate or a placebo was ingested daily. Both groups continued taking their conventional medications. After twelve months, carotid artery conditions (measured as carotid intima-media thickness) were improved 30% in the pomegranate group while carotid artery conditions worsened by 9% in the placebo group.38 Additionally in those who consumed pomegranate, total antioxidant status was increased by 130% while blood serum levels of LDL basal oxidative state and LDL susceptibility to oxidation were both significantly reduced by 90% and 59% respectively.
In a similar study, pomegranate or a placebo was ingested daily. After only three months, coronary artery blood flow improved by 18% in the pomegranate group but worsened by 17% in the placebo group.39
A next-generation pomegranate extract, blending standardized extracts from the whole fruit, flower and seed oil, is one of the three active components of the latest Endothelial Defense™ formula. This Full-Spectrum Pomegranate™ provides this fruit’s unique polyphenols with newly discovered biologically active compounds from other parts of the pomegranate plant.
Cocoa promotes healthy endothelial function
Cocoa flavanols improve endothelial function by enhancing nitric oxide bioactivity,40 increasing blood flow,40 reducing the tendency of blood to clot,41 supporting healthy blood pressure levels,42 and helping LDL resist oxidation, which may contribute to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in artery walls.43 In a controlled human study, six weeks of cocoa consumption increased brachial artery blood flow by up to 76% compared with baseline values.44 In a recent randomized controlled trial, healthy individuals with above-optimal blood pressure took small amounts of dark chocolate containing 30 mg of polyphenols as part of a usual diet. The cocoa polyphenols in the chocolate efficiently improved their blood pressure readings as well as plasma markers of vasodilating nitric oxide.45 The age-related depletion of nitric oxide is considered a major impediment to healthy arterial blood flow. A standardized cocoa polyphenol extract is the second active component of the Endothelial Defense™ formula.
SOD protects against nitric oxide degradation
Aging reduces the body’s production of a critical antioxidant called superoxide dismutase (SOD), which provides the body’s first enzymatic step in the defense system against oxidative stress. Diminished SOD levels are closely linked with increased vascular oxidative stress, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction.46 An orally active superoxide dismutase (SOD) called GliSODin® has been clinically shown to support healthy arterial function and structure, while boosting levels of the body’s most powerful antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) and protecting against oxidative stress-induced cell death.47-50
Studies show that carotid artery thickness detrimentally increases by 0.04 mm every ten years. However, a recent study with GliSODin® suggests that 2.8 years of supplementation may turn back the clock on 10 years of age-related damage due to carotid artery wall thickening.51
The third ingredient in the Endothelial Defense™ formula is the patented GliSODin® in a dose identical to that which was used in this successful human study.
In response to all these research findings, Endothelial Defense™ provides three of the best-documented nutrients to help you maintain healthy arterial blood flow and healthy normal blood pressure. |
