 Rationale: Subjects with the metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a twofold risk of developing hypertension. A functional food ingredient with the ability to improve arterial stiffness, microcirculation andor the ability to reduce blood pressure could potentially contribute to the delay or prevention of a range of cardiovascular diseases and could provide additional complimentary alternatives to pharmacological and lifestyle based interventions in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. 