A new study was found by a team of researchers, including an Indian-origin scientist which suggests that combining a marine fish oil, cocoa extract and phytosterols into a dietary supplement may cut down the risk of developing heart disease.

The researchers examined that the potential of combining dietary supplement as a means of preventing atherosclerosis or 'furring' of the arteries.

Dipak Ramji from Cardiff University in Britain, one of the researchers said that a variety of active food ingredients have been shown to impart beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease although little is known regarding their actions when taken in combination.

The findingd showed that in cell-based models, combining the three ingredients could, potentially, help halt the key processes associated with the progression of atherosclerosis.

It was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Using a series of cell-based experimental models, the team examined what happens when omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in marine fish oil), flavanols (found in cocoa) and phytosterols are combined.

"The challenge now is to take our findings and examine whether they translate into humans," researchers suggested.

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of heart disease, killing approximately one individual every 34 seconds and responsible for around a third of all deaths worldwide.

Current therapies against atherosclerosis are not fully effective and there have been numerous recent disappointments on promising agents that have been identified through various drug discovery programs.