ACI Group is shining a spotlight on heart health with the introduction of two new sustainably sourced Mediterranean ingredients to its growing portfolio from nutrition specialist Alvinesa – Hytolive® and Vintera™.
Hytolive is an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extract derived from the olive fruit, as opposed to many other EVOO extracts that are derived from the leaf, meaning it qualifies as a food product. It is rich in hyroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant that has been demonstrated to help remove excess cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health[1],[2]. Vintera, meanwhile, is a grapeseed extract sourced from the byproducts of wine production and is rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to enhance beneficial HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of plaque formation in the arteries[3],[4],[5].
ACI is the exclusive supplier of both ingredients to the UK market, helping to bring what is known as the ‘French Paradox’ to UK shores. The French Paradox refers to the observation that French consumers experience lower rates of coronary heart disease despite high average consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol. Research suggests that this is a result of the recognised Mediterranean diet, which includes red wine and olives – both of which are high in polyphenols and antioxidants.
“Better heart health brings with it many benefits, from increased energy levels to better sleep,” said Gareth Clark at ACI Group. “We are proud to bring ingredients that support better heart health to the UK, where cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death. And manufacturers can play their part too, as relatively small formulation changes can have an outsized effect on the population’s heart health.
“Both Hytolive and Vintera are sustainably sourced from Spain, meaning our customers can incorporate their wellness-boosting properties into their recipes and formulations without compromising important ESG goals. We’re always looking for innovations that can bolster our offer to our customers, and these versatile ingredients make two important additions to our portfolio.”
The news comes at a time when 82% of consumers recognise the link between a healthy heart and a healthy body[6], with many taking proactive steps to alter their lifestyle to boost their health.
To learn more about ACI Group and its portfolio of solutions for the food industry, please visit www.acigroup.biz.
[1]E. Miro-Casas et al Clinical Chemistry 2003
[2] Visioli et al; 2018
[3] Foshati S, et al. The effect of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract supplementation on flow-mediated dilation, blood pressure, and heart rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with duration- and dose-response analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2022;175:105905
[4] Lupoli R, et al. Impact of Grape Products on Lipid Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. J Clin Med. 2020;9(2):313
[5] Feringa HH, et al. The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111(8):1173-81
[6] https://fmcggurus.com/blog/heart-health-and-the-proactive-consumer-in-2022/
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