Chapter 19 - Probiotic Species on Cardiovascular Disease: The Use of Probiotics to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. In the past two decades, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that probiotic products may be a good alternative for the existing regimen of CVD treatment. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host once consumed in adequate amounts. Many studies have shown that probiotics and probiotic dairy products may protect against CVD by lowering CVD risk factors. This chapter will focus on the effects of probiotics and probiotic dairy products on the leading CVD risk factors, specifically hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and inflammation and insulin resistance. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which these effects might be exerted.