Proving what most of us already knew, a recent study concludes a vegetable diet can save your life by significantly reducing hardening of arteries. Strengthening of the arteries or atherosclerosis frequently afflicts middle age people and senior citizens. The new study shows that it may be possible to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by 38% with a vegetable diet.

The study used specially bred mice that rapidly develop atherosclerosis. These mice were bred to have elevated low-density lipoprotein or LDL, also known as “bad cholesterol.” Half of the mice were fed at least 30% of their diet from freeze-dried broccoli, corn, green beans, peas and carrots. Of the mice fed the vegetable diet of 30%of total caloric intake, plaques in the blood vessel were 38% smaller than those of the mice without the vegetable diet. Lead researchers on this study said “This suggest how a diet high in vegetables may help prevent heart attacks and strokes.” This study was sponsored by General Mills Company; Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center contains NC Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Health practitioners have long recommended a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and grains to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Below are the conclusions on the importance of A Fruit and Vegetable Diet Why is a fruit and vegetable diet important? Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

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