Functional foods and coronary heart disease - An analysis of the potential role in primary prevention

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single largest cause of death and disability in western societies and poor diet is a significant risk factor in the pathogenesis of this disease. Despite significant advances in the treatment, effective primary prevention approaches remain elusive largely due to the difficulty of sustaining significant and long term dietary changes. In this book, the hypothesis that the use of functional foods is an effective strategy in the primary revention of CHD was examined. Methodological approaches grounded in the field of nutrition science and behavioural psychology, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative studies were used. Results of a two dietary trials found that a functional food-led intervention was an effective approach in the management of coronary heart disease risk factors. Consumer and social research also suggest that functional foods can have an important role in public health. Analysis of clinical, social and consumer research shows that functional foods can be an effective preventative health strategy for CHD and provides useful insights for the food industry, health professionals, and food policy regulators alike.