A higher intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease (reduced blood supply to the heart muscle).

Researchers at the University of Oxford, in the UK, assessed the relation between fruit and vegetable intake and risk of death from ischemic heart disease in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Heart study.

First, the details.

• After an average of 8.4 years, there were 1636 deaths from ischemic heart disease among 313,074 men and women without previous heart attack or stroke.

And, the results.

• Participants consuming at least 8 portions (80 grams each) of fruits and vegetables a day had a 22% lower risk of fatal ischemic heart disease compared with those consuming fewer than 3 portions a day.
• A one-portion (80 gram) increment in fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a 4% lower risk of fatal ischemic heart disease.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “A higher intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease mortality.”

The biological mechanisms by which fruits and vegetables lower this risk remains unclear.

8/16/11 19:54 JR