Diets rich in polyphenols are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease

Diets rich in polyphenols are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease

People who regularly consume foods and drinks rich in polyphenols, such as tea, coffee, berries, cocoa, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, may have better long-term heart health.

The study, conducted by King's College London, found that those who adhered more to polyphenol-rich diets had a lower predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that are linked to various health benefits, including improved heart, brain and gut health.

The study published today inBMC Medicine,Researchers followed more than 3,100 adults from the TwinsUK cohort over a decade and found that diets rich in certain groups of polyphenols were associated with healthier blood pressure and cholesterol profiles and contributed to lower CVD risk scores.

For the first time, the researchers also analyzed a large number of metabolites in urine that are formed when polyphenols are broken down in the body.

These biomarkers confirmed that individuals with higher levels of polyphenol metabolites – particularly those derived from specific groups of polyphenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids – had lower cardiovascular risk scores. They also had elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol.

The study used a newly developed Polyphenol Diet Score (PPS) to record intake of 20 key polyphenol-rich foods commonly consumed in the UK, from tea and coffee to berries, olive oil, nuts and whole grains.

This value showed a stronger association with cardiovascular health than estimates of total polyphenol intake, likely because it captures general dietary patterns rather than individual compounds. This result suggests that considering the entire diet provides a more accurate picture of how polyphenol-rich foods work together to support long-term heart health.

Our results show that long-term adherence to polyphenol-rich diets can significantly slow the increase in cardiovascular risk with age. Even a small, sustained change to foods like berries, tea, coffee, nuts and whole grains can help protect the heart in the long term.”

Professor Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, senior author and Professor of Human Nutrition at King’s College London

Dr. Yong Li, lead author of the study, added: "This research provides strong evidence that regularly incorporating polyphenol-rich foods into your diet is a simple and effective way to support heart health. These plant compounds are widely available in everyday foods, making this a practical strategy for most people."

The researchers note that while cardiovascular risk naturally increases with age, higher polyphenol intake was associated with slower risk progression over the 11-year follow-up period. They also emphasize the need for future nutritional intervention studies to further validate these associations.

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