Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of acute coronary syndrome.

Eating more vegetables and fruits, particularly apples, may help to boost an individual defenses against the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack.

​Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a range of conditions, including heart attack, in which there is obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in impairment of the function of heart or death of the heart muscles. This study investigated the connection between habitual consumption of fruits and vegetables and the chances of experiencing acute coronary syndrome. Researchers surveyed more than 50,000 men and women for 7.7 years. During the course of the study, 1075 cases of acute coronary syndromes were recorded. 

Researchers found a lower rate of acute coronary syndrome among men and women with high intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, particularly apples. In contrast, the likelihood of suffering from acute coronary syndrome was elevated in women who drank generous amounts of fruit juice. This study provides evidence that regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables can help to substantially reduce the risk of acute coronary syndrome.