Independent health groups, government health groups, and mothers everywhere have told you to eat your vegetables! A recent study backed them up and showed that higher polyphenols intake links to better heart health! Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in men.
What are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are plant-based molecules that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals, boost the immune system, and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Best Foods High in Polyphenols
Berries, olive oil, and many raw vegetables contain polyphenols. For example, the Mediterranean diet contains lots of these foods. Those who eat a vegan diet eat a lot of polyphenols. So, try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat a salad every day, for starters!
Polyphenols Intake Linked to Better Heart Health
A recent study by scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia in the U.K. stated that having higher polyphenols intake linked to better heart health.
The study took data from 43,880 men who were volunteers in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Then, the researchers followed up with these men for 24 years and recorded 1,572 strokes and 4,046 heart attacks.
The scientists found that there was a correlation between intaking anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol, and reduction of non-fatal heart attacks, especially in men who had normal blood pressure.
Additionally, they found that higher intakes of flavanones, another type of polyphenol, helps to lower the risk of ischemic stroke greatly. However, it did not affect heart attack risk.
Overall, the researchers found that over the 24 years of follow-up, there was a 14% decrease risk of heart attack in men who had the highest average consumption of anthocyanins.
Additionally, the men who had the highest average consumption of flavanones experienced a 22% reduced risk of ischemic stroke.
These findings prove that polyphenols in fruits and vegetables are heart-healthy for those who consume them often.
In conclusion, if you don’t already eat regular amounts of fruits, like berries, or vegetables, be sure to add them to your diet. They are not only filling, but they promote a healthier heart.
Resources
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-polyphenols/