Loading ...New research has shown some of our least favourite vegetables could be the most beneficial when it comes to preventing advanced blood vessel disease.
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts a cut above for blood vessel health
- Date:
- August 20, 2020
- Source:
- Edith Cowan University
Published in the British Journal of Nutritionthe research has found higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, is associated with less extensive blood vessel disease in older men and women.
Using data from a cohort of 684 older Western Australian men and women recruited in 1998, researchers from ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences and The University of Western Australia found those with a diet comprising more cruciferous vegetables had a lower chance of having extensive build-up of calcium on their aorta, a key marker for structural blood vessel disease.
Blood vessel disease is a condition that affects our blood vessels (arteries and veins) and can reduce the flow of blood circulating around the body. This reduction in blood flow can be due to the build-up of fatty, calcium deposits on the inner walls of our blood vessels, such as the aorta. This build-up of fatty, calcium deposits is the leading cause of having a heart attack or stroke.
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts a cut above
Lead researcher Dr Lauren Blekkenhorst said there was something intriguing about cruciferous vegetables which this study has shed more light on.
“In our previous studies, we identified those with a higher intake of these vegetables had a reduced risk of having a clinical cardiovascular disease event, such as a heart attack or stroke, but we weren’t sure why,” she said.
“Our findings from this new study provides insight into the potential mechanisms involved.”
“We have now found that older women consuming higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables every day have lower odds of having extensive calcification on their aorta,” she said.
“One particular constituent found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables is vitamin K
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200820102434.htm