The Relationship Between Probiotics and Dietary Fiber Consumption and Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of complex diseases that include, but not limited to, coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and rheumatic heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases and their complications are leading cause of death in adults. In recent years, a dramatic increase in prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases has been observed worldwide. Regulation of cardiovascular diseases is closely integrated with dietary habits. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fibers and almost our entire intake of dietary fibers, which are also referred to as prebiotics, comes from these foods. Several epidemiological studies indicate changes in life style, such as intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases or risk factors associated with it, for example, obesity, insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in blood. In addition, epidemiological studies also suggest that intake of probiotics, which include certain species of commensal bacteria, improves blood lipid profile and cardiovascular health. Current scientific evidence suggests the presence of numerous underlying molecular mechanisms that link dietary fiber and probiotics to promotion of cardiovascular health. In this chapter, we will review the recent advances that highlight regulation of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors by dietary fiber and probiotics.