Study: Vegetables May Prevent Artery Hardening
An added benefit of a diet rich in vegetables was found in a U.S study of the fatty deposits in the arteries of mice.
After 16 weeks researchers found that mice who were fed vegetables had 38 percent less fatty deposits in their arteries than mice with a vegetable-free diet and helps prevent high blood pressure.
The study reportedly used specially bred mice prone to rapidly develop atherosclerosis.
Lead researcher, Michael Adams acknowledges that everyone knows eating vegetables is good for the body but it was never before discovered that it can prevent atherosclerosis.
The Journal of Nutrition found that the average human only eats three servings of vegetables a day. While the effects of the diet given to mice is unknown in humans, it is reportedly known that a diet high in vegetables protects against heart disease.
High vegetable consumption may also inhibit artery inflammatory activity after researchers saw a 37 percent reduction in a serum amyloid, cause of inflammation in mice.
"Although the pathways involved remain uncertain, the results indicate that a diet rich in green and yellow vegetables inhibits the development of hardening of the arteries and may reduce the risk of heart disease," Adams told BBC. "It is well known that atherosclerosis progression is intimately linked with inflammation in the arteries."
Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation reportedly said this study confirms the recommendation of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.