ACI Group has highlighted the unique properties of Mediterranean ingredients as key factors that can support the UK’s heart health, highlighting its Hytolive® and Vintera™ ingredients as ways to help recreate the ‘French Paradox’ in the UK.
The French Paradox refers to the observation that French citizens 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 of the kind found in Hytolive and Vintera. ACI is the exclusive supplier of both ingredients to the UK market, as part of its fruitful partnership with upcycled nutrition specialist Alvinesa.
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].
“Our mission is to connect British businesses with innovative and specialist products from around the world,” said Sam Lubbock-Smith from 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. These products can open up new doors for businesses looking to create innovative nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, or functional foods.
“At a time when 82% of consumers recognise the link between a healthy heart and a healthy body[6], many are taking proactive steps to alter their lifestyle to boost their health. Many of these consumers will be looking for the kind of science-backed health claims that Hytolive and Vintera can provide – and with a relatively small formulation change, manufacturers can meet the needs of these customers and have a beneficial effect on the broader conversation around heart health.”
Both Hytolive and Vintera are sustainably sourced from Spain, meaning customers can incorporate their wellness-boosting properties into their recipes and formulations without compromising their important ESG goals.
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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