Functional foods against metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia) and cardiovasular disease

•The article reviews the current knowledge of functional foods to fight CVD•The foods that help manage obesity or dyslipidemia and modes of action.•The various foods that help manage diabetes and mechanisms of action.•The various foods that help manage hypertension and mechanisms of action.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition of at least three of the cardiovascular risk factors: obesity, excessive visceral fat storage, dyslipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia or Type 2 diabetes. It is a state of insulin resistance, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Cardiovascular disease is the highest cause of death globally. Certain dietary components and over 800 plants help prevent or moderate metabolic syndrome by assisting the body homeostasis mechanisms. This review compiles the most current studies on foods that help fight metabolic syndrome and the scientific evidences to support their use. This includes functional fats, digestive enzymes inhibitors, various beverages, different fruits, specific vegetables, grains, legumes, herbs and spices that can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, through several cellular mechanisms.