Fruit and Vegetable Diet

Proving what most of us already know, a recent study concluded that a vegetable diet can save your life significantly reducing arterial stiffness. Arterial strengthening or atherosclerosis often affects middle-aged and elderly people. Recent studies show that it is possible to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by 38% with a vegetable diet.

This study used specially reared mice that rapidly develop atherosclerosis. These mice are bred to raise low density lipoprotein or LDL, also known as "bad cholesterol." Half of the mice were fed at least 30% of their diet from frozen broccoli, corn, green beans, beans and carrots. Of mice feeding 30% of total calorie intake, plaques in the bloodstream were 38% smaller than rats without a vegetable diet. The lead researcher in the study said "This suggests how a high vegetable diet can help prevent heart attacks and stroke." This study was sponsored by the General Mills Company; Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center comprises NC Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University of Science. Health practitioners have long recommended a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and cereals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here is a summary of the importance of Fruit and Vegetable Diet Why is a fruit and vegetable diet important? Eating vegetables provides health benefits - people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of a wholesome diet may be at risk for some chronic illness. Vegetables provide essential nutrients for the health and maintenance of your body.

• Eating a diet that includes fruits and vegetables as part of a wholesome diet can reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.


• Eating a diet that includes fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.


• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of a wholesome diet can protect against certain cancers, such as stomach, mouth, and colon-rectal cancer.


• Diets rich in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.


• Eating potassium-rich fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and may help reduce bone loss.


• Consuming foods like low-calorie vegetables per cup instead of other high-calorie foods may be helpful in helping to reduce calorie intake.

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