Targeting flavonoids on modulation of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition associated with cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes. The weight gain, especially the accumulation of central adipose tissue, may be the first leading cause of the MetS. It is important to highlight that the lifestyle choices considered as modifiable risk factors contribute to the increase in the incidence of the MetS in the population, such as sedentarism and food intake. There is evidence in the literature concerning the benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in polyphenols. Therefore, the flavonoids are a class of non-nutrient that can be extensively studied mainly to elucidate the mechanisms related to the action of these compounds in the modulation of the microbiota, DNA methylation and health improvement. Thus, this review summarized evidence linking flavonoid intake to obesity, insulin resistance, T2DM and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Microbiota
• Nutrigenetic