“Dietary and Cardiovascular Effects of Chia Seeds, Flaxseed, Coconut Milk, Peanuts, Virgin Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed, and Walnuts: A Comprehensive Literature Review”

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality, responsible for over 17 million deaths annually. Dietary factors play an essential role in modulating CVD risk through mechanisms that include lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial health. This review critically examines the compositional attributes, bioactive constituents, and cardiometabolic effects of seven plant‑based dietary components frequently advocated in health‑promoting diets: chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), coconut milk (Cocos nucifera), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), virgin olive oil (Olea europaea), pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo), and walnuts (Juglans regia).

The review aggregates data from clinical trials, epidemiological cohorts, and mechanistic studies published between 2000 and 2025, focusing on lipid profile modulation, glycemic control, inflammatory biomarkers, and vascular function. Evidence demonstrates that chia seeds and flaxseed, rich in plant‑based omega‑3 α‑linolenic acid (ALA) and soluble fiber, reduce LDL and triglycerides while improving satiety and glycemic parameters. Virgin olive oil and walnuts, major constituents of the Mediterranean diet, consistently exhibit anti‑inflammatory and endothelial benefits via monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Peanuts and pumpkin seeds contribute plant sterols, arginine, and vitamin E, attenuating oxidative stress and supporting nitric‑oxide‑mediated vasodilation. In contrast, coconut milk provides medium‑chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are rapidly oxidized for energy, but evidence on its long‑term cardiovascular safety remains mixed.

Collectively, these foods show synergistic potential for cardiovascular protection through complementary lipid‑lowering, antioxidative, and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms. Nonetheless, heterogeneity among studies, variations in processing, and limited high‑quality randomized controlled trials necessitate further standardization. Optimizing dietary inclusion of these nutrient‑dense components within balanced dietary models—such as Mediterranean or plant‑forward diets—represents a pragmatic strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention and overall metabolic health.