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Researchers identify antioxidant that boosts heart health

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

For individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol tests indicating they have low levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, a naturally occurring antioxidant may help significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease, according to a new study out of the University of Minnesota.

In the study, the researchers analyzed the link between heart disease, HDL cholesterol levels and an antioxidant known as GPx3. The results showed that people who had high levels of HDL cholesterol saw little benefit from maintaining high levels of the antioxidant. However, those who had low HDL saw a major benefit associated with GPx3.

The researchers found that people with high GPx3 and low HDL cholesterol were six times less likely to develop heart disease than participants with low levels of both.

It could soon be possible to test people for the antioxidant and use the results to determine cardiovascular risk, the researchers said. While it may be too early to recommend testing, the team said the findings are promising.

When used in conjunction with standard cholesterol testing, GPx3 screening could help doctors identify patients who are the most at risk.