Cruciferous vegetables help prevent cardiovascular diseases and increase longevity

From an early age, we are encouraged to eat vegetables. This type of food is low in calories but rich in vitamins and fiber. In particular, a group of vegetables can help increase your life by preventing cardiovascular diseases.

A study of cruciferous vegetables noted a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. It is the most common cause of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.

A team of authors at the University of Western Australia compared health of women aged 70 years and older who were eating vegetables in varying amounts.

The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, states: “Vegetables are recognized as a good source of many nutrients and phytochemicals. The study provided evidence for the vascular protective effects of this vegetable.”

To collect the data, the team performed average common carotid artery thickness tests on more than 950 people.

Accordingly, the group that ate more vegetables (225g or more versus less than 150g/day) had an average thickness of the common carotid artery about 5% lower.

The group of cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, kale, watercress, mustard, radish… contributes the most to this beneficial effect.

According to the UK’s National Health Service, atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque.

These plaques cause the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting blood flow and oxygen supply to the organs, increasing the risk of blood clots forming that can potentially block the flow of blood to the heart or Brain.

In its early stages, atherosclerosis doesn’t have any symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it. But then the disease can get worse, causing life-threatening problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Other complications include coronary heart disease, angina, and transient ischemic attacks.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include advanced age, smoking, heavy drinking, unhealthy diet, high fat, inactivity, overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

The group of cruciferous vegetables is rich in a sulfur-containing compound called the antioxidant glucosinolate, which prevents cancer.

When foods are cooked, glucosinolates break down into bioactive compounds, slowing the progression of atherosclerosis.

An Yen (Follow Express)