Studies prove fruit and vegetables keep the heart healthy

Long-term study sees connections

Anyone who eats a lot of fruit and vegetables as a young adult has a lower risk of arteriosclerosis and heart disease at a later age. This suggests a US study with more than 2,500 subjects who were 18 to 30 years old at the start of the study. At baseline and after 20 years, they provided information about their dietary habits and habits. During the entire study period, the subjects were medically accompanied. Using blood samples, the scientists determined, among other things, fat and cholesterol levels as well as certain markers for arteriosclerosis.

Young adults who ate the most fruits and vegetables (7 to 9 servings daily) had a 25 percent lower risk of atherosclerosis after 20 years compared to those with the least intake (2 to 4 servings daily). The association was independent of the body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, physical activity, income and educational status, and stronger for women than for men.

However, the researchers conclude that high fruit and vegetable intake was linked to a healthier diet - more fish, but less salt, refined carbohydrates and fast foods. Therefore, they do not exclude that the risk of cardiovascular disease was also affected.

The study results, however, have shown, according to the scientists, how important a healthy lifestyle is at a young age for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis usually begins early in life with unnoticed changes in the blood vessels. Tiny cracks and injuries to the inner walls of the vessel can cause fat and cholesterol to build up. White blood cells eat the deposits and are therefore filled up. If other blood components stick to them, plaques form. Calcification is added, the arterial walls become rigid and the vessels narrower.

High levels of fruit and vegetable intake provide the body with vitamins and other micronutrients that trap harmful radicals and thereby counteract atherosclerosis. It also reduces blood pressure and improves blood lipid levels. All the undisputed benefits of fruits and vegetables. The connections should be further explored. (Heike Kreutz, aid)

Source:
Circulation, online pre-release (doi: 10.1161 / CIRCULATIONAHA.114.012562) of 26 October 2015