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For the first time, researchers find a compound in some red wines and olive oils can interfere with gut microbes in ways that could potentially help to prevent heart disease in humans.
This new study, which was done in mice, also might reveal why the Mediterranean diet, which usually includes olive oil and red wine, is healthy for the heart, the scientists said.
In the study, the researchers targeted the mice’s gut microbes with a compound called DMB, — which naturally occurs in some cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils, red wines, balsamic vinegars and grape seed oils. The scientists found that the DMB treatment suppressed atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries, from developing in the mice without resulting in toxic side effects.
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“This new approach shows that one can target microbes to inhibit atherosclerosis,” said study senior author Dr. Stanley Hazen, section head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
Foods that contain DMB are often found in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which reduces the risk of heart disease. These new findings suggest that the benefits of the Mediterranean diet may stem from its effects on gut microbe activity, the researchers said.
Read full, original post: Targeting Gut Microbes Could Lower Risk of Heart Disease
