A new research has shown that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can produce better cardiovascular health.
Photo via Jenny Craig Community
The journal published by Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who consumed eight weeks of fruit and vegetable-rich diets had a lower risk of cardiac damage compared with the controlled group.
Researchers also stated that people should eat more fruits and vegetables, especially those dark in colour for a variety of reasons.
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Fruits and veggies contain vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals
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A diet high in fruit and vegetables can help protect you against cancer, diabetes and heart disease
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Lots and lots of fiber!
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Low in sodium and cholesterol
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You get to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures
Dr. Stephen P. Juraschek, the senior author of the study and an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts told Healthline that he and his colleagues are trying to determine what nutrients are associated with better heart health.
Delivery system is important
“It’s tricky with a dietary approach to just research the components. Sometimes, it’s more natural to emphasize a pattern because that’s how we eat. We don’t just eat one thing,” said Juraschek.
In other words, it’s difficult to boil cardiovascular health down to the individual compounds that can be found in your food or in a supplement bottle.
Every step matters
Asking someone to simply change their diet - moving from the fat and carb diet to one based around fruits, vegetables and other whole foods is an intimidating proposition.
However, if you’re contemplating on making the switch, it’s more helpful and much less daunting to start slowly…
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat