Low cardiovascular disease risk is associated with the consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables in women.
This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women. Using dietary questionnaires, researchers obtained data on the diets of 39876 female health professionals with no previous record of cancer or cardiovascular diseases. The relative risks of stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft, and cardiovascular mortality were assessed in all the subjects.
Researchers observed a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women who ate large servings of fruits and vegetables than in those who consumed small amounts of fruits and vegetables. The findings of this study support the current hypothesis that high intake of fruits and vegetables may contribute positively in preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases in women.