PUFA & Metabolic Syndrome – Cardiovascular Disease

by Roberta Gonzales

November 2009

Past studies reveal a link between certain metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. The term metabolic syndrome is also known as syndrome X which is correlated with a cluster of metabolic risk factors. The two main risk factors are insulin resistance, hypertension and abnormal levels of blood cholesterol. Also, there is an association with increased risk for clotting. Most patients with metabolic syndrome are often overweight.

Most experts define metabolic syndrome based on a set of guidelines from the 2001 National cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III). The following three traits in one individual meet the diagnosis for syndrome X.

Abdominal obesity: having a waist circumference over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women

Serum triglycerides blood levels of 150 mg/dl or above

HDL cholesterol blood level of 40 mg/dl or lower in men and 50 mg/dl or lower in women

Blood pressure of 130/85 or more

Fasting blood glucose levels of 110 mg/dl or above (May vary to 100 mg/dl)

New research published November 2009 suggested a lower chance of blood clotting with consuming PUFAs or polyunsaturated fatty acids – derived from plant oils such as olive oil.

Most individuals with metabolic syndrome have elevated blood levels of plasminogen proteins that activate or inhibit blood clotting - contributing to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A balance of these proteins is essential in maintaining normal blood clotting in the body. Although the impact of small amounts of consumption of PUFAs on these risk factors have not been established, the researchers goal was to study the effect of PUFAs on plasminogen proteins upon clotting. They conducted a randomized crossover study with men older than 45 years with metabolic syndrome. They consumed either water or a beverage of high saturated fat with either high or low content of PUFAs. Both PUFA beverages contributed to high levels of tryglycerides in the blood and plasminogen protein concentration initially. Afterwards however, the PUFA beverage resulted in a lower activity for blood clotting indicating that PUFAs might lower the chance for blood clotting.

Check out the recipe below for “Spinach Bacon Salad with Lemon Balsamic Vinegraitte”

1 cup of organic baby spinach

1 TBS extra virgin olive oil

1 TBS balsamic vinegar

1 lemon wedge

½ TBS shredded parmesan cheese

5 pieces of croutons

Whisk balsamic, lemon juice and oil together. Place over washed and dried baby spinach. Toss with parmesan cheese and croutons. Serves one.

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Nutrition Facts

User Entered Recipe

1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories

43.8

Total Fat

1.7 g

Saturated Fat

0.9 g

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.1 g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.5 g

Cholesterol

3.7 mg

Sodium

125.9 mg

Potassium

181.4 mg

Total Carbohydrate

4.4 g

Dietary Fiber

0.7 g

Sugars

2.3 g

Protein

2.9 g

Vitamin A

56.9 %

Vitamin B-12

1.2 %

Vitamin B-6

3.4 %

Vitamin C

18.6 %

Vitamin D

0.0 %

Vitamin E

3.0 %

Calcium

9.4 %

Copper

2.2 %

Folate

15.1 %

Iron

4.9 %

Magnesium

6.8 %

Manganese

13.8 %

Niacin

1.4 %

Pantothenic Acid

0.6 %

Phosphorus

5.3 %

Riboflavin

4.7 %

Selenium

2.6 %

Thiamin

2.2 %

Zinc

2.2 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Resource:

Camilla Montegaard, Hilary M. F. Tulk, Lotte Lauritzen, Tine Tholstrup and Lindsay E. Robinson; Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions: Acute Ingestion of Long-Chain (n-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decreases Fibrinolysis in Men with Metabolic Syndrome; J. Nutr. (November 4, 2009). doi:10.3945/jn.109.111427