Project Number: 1235-51530-009-24
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Oct 31, 2011
End Date: Oct 30, 2016

Objective:
To investigate the effects of dietary fat and phytonutrients on vascular health, including endothelial function and blood pressure, through consumption of a healthy diet based on plant products such as avocados.

Approach:
Dietary fat composition is known to impact risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, vascular reactivity (the ability for blood vessels to relax when necessary to allow reduction of blood pressure) is a key to reducing heart strain and maintaining heart health. We will conduct a human feeding study with diets differing in fat and phytonutrient content to test their effects on vascular reactivity. Plant sources high in oleic acid, such as avocados, which are also high in phytonutrients, will be incorporated into the test diet and compared to diets with foods differing in fat composition.