Diet Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Vascular System

Background and Objective: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that dietary products and their active components are independently or jointly responsible for the apparent reduction of the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk. Discussion: Nowadays, there is a growing attention in the use of nutraceuticals as a new approach for the prevention and management of many diseases, as well as for controlling rising of chronic illnesses with minimal side effects. Food-derived peptides, as well as peptide-rich protein hydrolysates, represent new and valuable tools for the prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, acting as modulators of oxidative stress, inflammation, and overactivity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Conclusion: This review summarizes the recently published data on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular protective properties of nutraceuticals, notably on the effects of food-derived bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates, paying particular attention to those derived from fermented foods.