The chemicals in these foods, known as polyphenols,can also reduce the damage on the inside of our arteries by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and the adherence of other molecules which can damage the sensitive inner linings. This propensity to keep the inside of our arteries clean is known as improved endothelial function. The polyphenols found in grapes, berries, dark green vegetables, and pomegranate can help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving endothelial function.
A new report recently released from a large research study has indicated that the increased intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. Blockages occurring in the coronary arteries are the leading cause of heart attack.
“We know that lifestyle behaviors are really the foundation of cardiovascular-disease prevention, including diet,” said leading author of the report, Dr. Michael Miedema, of the Minneapolis Heart Institute. “There are several studies showing that a diet high in fruits and vegetables in middle-aged adults is associated with less coronary heart disease. As your fruit and vegetable intake goes up, your relative risk for developing coronary heart disease goes down. It’s been seen in several other studies, but it’s been most consistent in women.”
The report findings were based upon the results of a study of 2,648 younger adults aged from 18-30. The purpose of this research was to ascertain if there was a link between the development of heart disease and the intake of fruits and vegetables in a younger adult population. The evidence of heart disease was determined with the use of MRI imaging of the coronary arteries to determine the coronary calcium score. The higher the score, the greater amounts of calcium are found inside the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary calcium score is considered a very accurate way to predict future coronary events like a heart attack.
After approximately 20 years of follow-up, those who ate the highest amounts of fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of developing heart disease. This was especially the case in the 1,610 females in the study who experienced a significant reduction in heart disease risk associated with high intakes of vegetables and fruit. Those women who ate the greatest amounts of these foods experienced a 40% reduced risk of developing coronary calcium plaques compared to those who ate the least amounts of these foods.
This is just another report which indicates that the consumption of more fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of developing heart disease.
In my opinion, the most important feature of this report is that it dealt with younger subjects and is important from a preventative perspective. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in older adults.
Source:
O’Riordan, “Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Lowers CAC Burden in Women: CARDIA,” Medscapewebsite;http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/822665, last accessed March 31, 2014.