Scientific evidence that fruits and vegetables protect against
stroke
This long-term prospective cohort study, which included more than 114,000
Americans over an eight to 14 year period, addressed the relationship
between fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of ischemic stroke.
There are few previous reports in the medical literature of the relationship
between fruit and vegetable intake and cardiovascular health. All individuals
participating in the study were health care professionals. They were
divided into quintiles based on self-reported fruit and vegetable intake,
and incidence and type of stroke were noted as they occurred. After
adjustment for possible confounding influences, the results of the study
demonstrated an inverse relationship between consumption of fruits and
vegetables and the risk of ischemic stroke in both men and women. Consumption
of cruciferous and leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits and juices
was associated with the greatest protection against ischemic stroke.
Joshipura K, Ascherio A,
Manson J, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk
of ischemic stroke. JAMA 1999; 282(13): 1233-1239. |
