An Antioxidant in Coffee and Rice May Protect Heart Health and Ward off a Heart Attack
A doctor reveals what foods contain this powerful compound
Whether you have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or a family history of heart trouble, many of us are looking for easy ways to improve our long-term heart health. That’s especially true when it comes to reducing the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke. And while we’ve all heard the general advice that exercise and diet can help, what does a heart-protective diet actually look like? It turns out, new research on antioxidants in coffee and grains may hold the key to better heart health.
What are antioxidants?
You may have never heard the term ferulic acid, but the antioxidant is found in several common foods and may offer big heart health benefits.
“Ferulic acid is a natural compound found in the outer layers of plants,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “Think rice, coffee, fruits and vegetables. What makes it interesting is its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects. In simple terms, it helps protect your blood vessels from damage caused by things like oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can play a role in heart disease.”
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What the study on antioxidants for heart health found
A recent animal study in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences found that ferulic acid—which is found in dietary staples like coffee and rice—reduced contraction responses in coronary arteries, suggesting it could help prevent spasms within the artery. Just how could the compound lead to major heart health gains? Our expert has an answer.
“The study suggests ferulic acid helps relax artery walls, which could prevent spasms that cut off blood flow,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It seems to do this by regulating calcium levels inside muscle cells in the arteries to keep them from tightening up and by helping the body make more nitric oxide, a natural chemical that tells blood vessels to stay open.”
How do artery spasms affect heart health?
While general body spasms aren’t always cause for concern, artery spasms have the potential to affect your heart health.
“When an artery spasm happens, it can limit or block blood flow to the heart for a short time,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “That can cause chest pain, and in some cases, if the spasm is severe or lasts long enough, it might lead to a heart attack. That’s why preventing artery spasms matters, especially in people who are at higher risk for heart issues.”
Although the study’s findings offer an interesting lens into the benefits of ferulic acid, it’s important to remember the research was conducted in animals, not humans.
“Animal studies give us a clue, but they don’t always translate directly to humans,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “That said, diets high in foods that contain ferulic acid, like whole grains and certain fruits, have been linked to better blood pressure and blood vessel health in people. We’d need more human studies to know for sure how much ferulic acid alone helps.”
How to get the benefits of antioxidants for heart health
If you’re ready to start incorporating more ferulic acid into your diet, you may be wondering where to begin. Whole foods are a great place to start. Joel Kahn, MD, FACC, a practicing cardiologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, says common sources of ferulic acid include:
- Coffee
- Rice
- Popcorn
- Whole-grain rye bread
- Whole-grain oat flakes
- Spinach
- Eggplant
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bamboo
- Sweet corn
Should you take a supplement?
Although getting ferulic acid from food is likely your best bet to improve your heart health, using supplements is another potential option to increase antioxidant activity within the body. “There are limited studies using ferulic acid as a supplement, but they are available,” says Dr. Kahn referencing a Nutrients study looking at the health benefits of ferulic acid supplements.
If you’re interested in trying a supplement, talking to a doctor about whether they’re right for you and what dosage to take is key.
“There’s no official recommended dose for ferulic acid supplements in the US,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Small studies have used anywhere from 50 to 500 mg per day without major side effects, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. I always suggest talking to your doctor first, especially if you have heart disease or take other medications, just to be safe.”
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