Polyphenol-Rich Foods May Slow Age-Related Heart Risk

A recent study from King’s College London suggests that diets high in polyphenol-rich foods may help reduce the pace at which cardiovascular risk increases with age. Published in BMC Medicine, the research tracked more than 3,100 adults in the TwinsUK cohort for over a decade. Individuals who regularly consumed foods such as berries, tea, coffee, nuts, cocoa, olive oil, and whole grains showed healthier cholesterol levels, better blood pressure, and lower predicted cardiovascular disease (CVD) scores.

Using a newly developed Polyphenol Dietary Score (PPS), the researchers observed stronger links between polyphenol-rich eating patterns and heart health than with overall polyphenol intake estimates. Urine metabolite analysis further confirmed that higher levels of metabolites from flavonoids and phenolic acids corresponded with improved cardiovascular profiles, including higher HDL cholesterol. The findings indicate that even small, consistent increases in polyphenol-rich foods may offer long-term protection against rising CVD risk during aging.

08-12-2025