Mediterranean Plants and Cardiovascular Health

Research from universities, including the University of Barcelona, highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of certain Mediterranean plants, which can play a role in functional food science. Six plants, including garlic and hawthorn, were examined due to their chemical properties that may chelate harmful substances from the body. For example, garlic contains compounds like allicin and alum sativan, known for their capacity to bind with and eliminate heavy metals from the system. These findings emphasize that everyday foods can serve specific health functions, underscoring the value of dietary choices beyond mere nutritional content.