Epicatechin is an antioxidant polyphenol that is found in tea, chocolate, and different fruits. Multiple prospective studies have reported health benefits related to cardiovascular health
Recently, the results of a 25 year study evaluated Epicatechin, an antioxidant polyphenol, for reducing the risk associated with cardiovascular diseases.
These results were recently published in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
This prospective study of 774 Dutch men was performed by evaluating dietary history patterns over a 25 year period.
Dietitians worked with the participants to complete a checklist and complete their dietary selections and serving size of different foods and beverages.
Flavanoids of 120 commonly consumed foods and beverages were determined by HPLC with concentrations of epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin determined.
Here are some details about the study participants:
- Average age 71.9 years old
- 56% of men has a BMI (Body Mass Index) >25
- 31% were current smokers
- 22% had a history of cardiovascular disease
- 10% of men had diabetes
- 50% were hypertensive
What was the average epicatechin consumption per day?
- 15 milligrams per day (range: 0.01–60.6 milligrams per day).
Here are the main results:
- For men with prevalent CVD, epicatechin intake was associated with 46% lower CVD mortality risk (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.96)
- In this study of elderly Dutch men, risk of long-term CHD mortality was 38% lower in men in the highest tertile of epicatechin intake (median: 22 mg/d) than in men in the lowest tertile of epicatechin intake (median: 8 mg/d).
Where foods and beverages have epicatechin and how much do I need to get 22 mg?
- Black Tea – 6 cups with each cup about 125 mL. This would be the equivelant to about the size of 2 cans of soda.
- Dark Chocolate – 54 grams, this is about two table spoons
- Apples – About 2-3 apples
Take away message: Tea, apples, and cocoa are rich in both epicatechin and catechin. A daily dose of 22 milligrams per day of epicatechin was associated with a 38% lower risk of death from coronary heart disease. A daily intake of 22 mg epicatechin is equivalent to ∼6 cups black tea (1 cup = 125 mL), 54 g dark chocolate (54% cocoa), or 2–3 apples (1 apple = 120 g). This study suggests that higher epicatchin intake can lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease in a population of elderly men. In other words – it’s never to late to modify your diet.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016 July; Volume 104 (Issue 1): Pages 58-64
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Heart, Plant Medicine
What are anthocyanins? – Ask the Pharmacist 
Large study reports coffee lowers risk of stroke in women 
What are the health benefits of green tea?