Fruits and Vegetables May Lead to Healthier Arteries

A new study that reports on the beneficial relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and healthier arteries, especially in women, is one that we should all pay close attention to. This study could be important because it not only reports that eating a steady diet of fruits and vegetables is important to your health, it also says that starting that diet early in life could pay significant dividends later in life.

The study , authored by Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. Michael Miedema and featured on Life Extension online, followed the fruit and vegetable consumption of women in the 20’s for approximately 20 years. He reported that, “women who reported consuming the most fruits and vegetables (eight to nine servings a day for a 2,000 calorie diet) in their 20s were 40 percent less likely to have calcified plaque in their arteries in their 40s compared to those who ate the least amount during the same period.”

They further reported that, “Plant-based diets in general have also been linked to greater longevity, less cancer, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and healthier body weight.” These are all extremely important in maintaining overall health. The takeaway from this study is two-fold. The first is that fruits and vegetables, because of their properties, are excellent sources antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients that can really benefit your health.

Be sure, however, to balance them with others food sources such as proteins and whole grains to give you a complete diet. The second takeaway is that health starts early on. The choices you make today will impact your health as you age. So, be sure to take control of your future health by making good choices today.

Interested in reading more? Check out Top Five Ways to Eat Fruits and Vegetables