Reversing cardiovascular disease may actually be in within our reach based on current scientific evidence. To understand how to accomplish this, it is first important to understand some basics about how arteries work and why they break down.

Our arteries are lined by a thin layer of cells, called the endothelium. This thin layer forms an interface between circulating blood and the rest of the vessel wall. Endothelial cells line all of the blood vessels in the circulatory system, including the capillaries. These cells also control the passage of materials into and out of the bloodstream.

The beginning of cardiovascular disease occurs when the endothelium starts to function improperly. One of the main reasons the endothelial cells malfunction is diminishing levels of nitric oxide. Endothelial cells normally produces nitric oxide. By controlling the elasticity of the blood vessel walls, nitric oxide protects blood vessels from injury and allows the heart to contract normally. It also helps prevent atherosclerosis.

A diminishing level of endothelial nitric oxide that occurs with aging, results in the arteries becoming stiff and blocked, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Another mechanism of damage occurs when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is oxidized, it adheres to the arteries causing a buildup of blockages. Now that we know what the two main mechanisms are, what can we do to stop, and reverse the process?

Are drugs the answer? The mainstream medical community prescribes various drugs such as aspirin, statin, and hypertensive drugs. While these do have a beneficial effect on the endothelium, they really only serve as a band-aid for a serious problem. In reality, they may only postpone a serious vascular event (ie. Heart attack, stroke).

The key is to promote the body's natural defenses for the endothelium on a sub-cellular level. By increasing the nitric oxide levels and inhibiting the free radicals that oxidize the LDLs, we can accomplish this. A group of naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols have been shown to dramatically and positively influence these functions.

This antioxidant "superfood" protects the blood vessels against the inactivation of nitric oxide. In turn, this rapidly reverses a key component of endothelial dysfunction in humans. Also, since polyphenols exert strong antioxidant activity, they are able to inhibit dangerous free radical damage.

Here are the overall health benefits of Polyphenols:

1. Increases circulating Nitric Oxide.

2. Lowers vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM). VCAM is instrumental in promoting leukocyte (white blood cell) adhesion to the endothelial lining. This may play a major role in the development of artherosclerosis.

3. Lowers blood pressure.

4. Inhibits plasma lipid oxidation

5. One of the highest sources of antioxidants in U.S. diet.

6. Animal models using polyphenols inhibited atherosclerosis.

7. Reduced platelet aggregation modestly. Platelets are responsible for the formation of blood clots.

8. Improved Insulin sensitivity.

9. Improved cognitive performance

Just how potent of antioxidant is one of these specific groups of polyphenols? One spoonful is equal to 2.5 gallons of raw leafy vegetables. The bottom line is that polyphenols should be included as part of complete and healthful diet.