The protective role of phenolic compounds in cardiovascular disease prevention: scientific evidence from the BACCHUS project
Max Müller
2026-05-19
2 min. read
The protective role of phenolic compounds in cardiovascular disease prevention: scientific evidence from the BACCHUS project
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Research conducted under the BACCHUS scientific initiative has provided compelling evidence that regular consumption of polyphenol-rich foods—such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—is associated with a reduced risk of severe cardiovascular disorders. Epidemiological analyses revealed that individuals adhering to diets abundant in these bioactive compounds exhibit statistically significant lower incidence rates of arterial atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary events compared to control groups with polyphenol-deficient dietary patterns. The underlying mechanisms include, but are not limited to, the inhibition of oxidative processes, modulation of lipid profiles, and enhancement of vascular endothelial function.
Polyphenols and peptides
During studies of blood vessel cells, the team showed that polyphenols inhibit VEGF signaling molecules, which are thought to be responsible for plaque deposition. Additionally, after eating polyphenolic foods such as apples or green tea, more activity of another enzymatic signaling system was observed, which increases the production of nitric oxide. This in turn causes vascular enlargement and decreases the risk of damage. In some fruits and vegetables, there are also peptides that actively support the prevention of disease.