A new study by Oxford scientists has destroyed the stereotype about diet
There is a widespread belief that vegetable diets help to avoid a number of ailments. But the authors of a new study argue that eating plenty of vegetables will not help prevent heart disease. Oxford scientists have tracked heart problems in hundreds of thousands of Britons and have not found that eating vegetables reduces the risk of heart problems.
It is often said that eating plenty of vegetables is the key to a long and healthy life. However, according to the Daily Mail, a major British study found that it would not help prevent heart disease.
Researchers from the University of Oxford looked at data from 400,000 Brits who were followed for 12 years. During this period, 18 thousand people were diagnosed with serious heart problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Participants were asked how many vegetables they ate each day, and this was compared with the frequency of heart disease.
Overall, the group that ate the most raw vegetables was 15% less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who ate the least.
There was no difference for boiled vegetables. But the benefits of eating raw vegetables have disappeared when other factors such as wealth and lifestyle are taken into account.
The study concluded that eating high amounts of foods such as broccoli, carrots, and peas “does not appear to be protective against the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.”
Any connection between vegetable consumption and heart health is because those who eat plenty of vegetables tend to be healthier in other aspects of their lives, according to a report in the journal Frontiers of Nutrition.
The study looked at National Health Service (NHS) data from 399,586 British adults with an average age of 56. The daily intake of vegetables was five heaped tablespoons per person.
However, study co-author Dr Ben Lacey says: “Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight remain an important part of maintaining good health and reducing the risk of major diseases, including some types of cancer.”
Other experts also stressed that the British should not give up vegetables.
According to the UK National Health Service, meals should consist of potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains. At the same time, it is recommended to eat at least 5 servings of various fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables are counted.
Eating 30 grams of fiber per day is also recommended (that’s the equivalent of eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole grain breads, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and a large baked potato with skin on).
It is also recommended to consume dairy products or alternative dairy products (such as soy drinks), opting for options that are low in fat and sugar. In addition, NHS experts advise eating some legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 servings of fish per week, one of which should be fatty) and choosing unsaturated oils and spreads, eating them in small quantities.
Drinking 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day is recommended. Adults should also consume less than 6 grams of salt per day and 20 grams of saturated fat for women or 30 grams for men.