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Wellness

Fruits and Vegetables and Coronary Heart Disease
 

Getting adequate water
daily may reduce your risk
of heart disease by 40-50%

 

 When talking about diet and heart disease you usually hear about the dangers of saturated fats and cholesterol. This is important, but there is good news for positive action you can take in eating as well as restricting certain foods.

Tulane University school of public health analyzed health data from a national health and nutrition survey of 9,608 adults followed for 19 years. In particular, they looked at the intake of fruits and vegetables and risk of cardiovascular disease. The results are quite amazing.

People who ate at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily (verses those who only had one serving or less) had 27% fewer stroke, 42% fewer deaths from strokes, 24% fewer cases of heart disease, and 15% lower death rates from all causes of mortality (including cancer, diabetes, etc.). They summarized their findings by saying, "We showed an inverse association of fruit and vegetable intake with the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the general US population." This reduction is after adjusting for known risks for heart disease and stroke such as smoking, physical activity, education level, diabetes, etc.

I like the concept that you can emphasize healthy foods and lower your risk as well as avoiding unhealthy foods. It is also a very simple yet effective principle. To reduce chances of early mortality and live a longer, healthier life, eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day.  Think what the results might have been if everyone was eating not just 3 per day but 5-9 per day which is the recommendation for good health. Take this concept as a goal for your family and organization. It can make a major impact on the health of your organization.

 

 

Reference

Bazzano LA et al, Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of cardiovascular disease, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002; 76:93-99


Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2002 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 12/17/02