Food compositions comprising waterleaf leaves and methods of using thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to and is drawn to food compositions including waterleaf leaves harvested at full bloom. The present invention further relates to and is drawn to methods of reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases by reducing total plasma cholesterol and plasma LDL-cholesterol and increasing plasma HDL-cholesterol and blood hematocrit using the present food compositions of waterleaf leaves, in addition to methods of preventing and treating coronary heart disease using the present food compositions.

1 . A food composition capable of reducing total plasma cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and of increasing blood hematocrit and HDL-cholesterol comprising an effective amount of waterleaf leaves, wherein said leaves are obtained from waterleaf plants in full bloom.  
   
   
       2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said waterleaf leaves are present in an amount of at least about 3 grams.  
   
   
       3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said waterleaf leaves are present in an amount of at least about 6 grams.  
   
   
       4 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said waterleaf leaves are in the form of a powder, tablet, pill, gel, capsule, liquid, or suspension.  
   
   
       5 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said waterleaf leaves are in the form of a dietary supplement.  
   
   
       6 . The composition as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said dietary supplement is in the form of a bar.