Some of the least favorite vegetables, like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, may be the most beneficial for blood vessel health, according to new research. In addition, researchers claim that it could help people prevent advanced blood vessel diseases. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, links consumption of cruciferous vegetables to lessextensive blood vessel diseasesin older women.
Health Benefits of Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts
The researchers used data from a cohort of 684 older Western Australian women. They found that those who ate more cruciferous vegetables were less likely to build up calcium in their aorta. However, calcium is a key marker for structural blood vessel disease. Blood vessel disease affects arteries and veins and can reduce blood flow in the body. This reduction in blood flow may be due to the buildup of fat and plaque on the inner walls of blood vessels. The accumulation of fatty deposits and calcium is also the most common cause of a heart attack or stroke.
The lead researcher Dr. Lauren Blekkenhorst said there was something interesting about cruciferous vegetables that was highlighted in this study. In previous studies, researchers have found that those with higher intakes of this vegetable have a lower risk of clinical cardiovascular disease. The results of this new study therefore offer insight into the possible mechanisms. According to the results, older women who consume more broccoli and Brussels sprouts each day are unlikely to have severe calcification of their aorta. The component vitamin K, which is abundant in cruciferous vegetables, plays a special role. This slows down the calcification process that takes place in the blood vessels.
Maintain blood pressure with cruciferous vegetables
About 45 grams or ¼ cup of steamed broccoli as well as ½ cup of raw cabbage or Brussels sprouts are 46 percent less likely to prevent a severe buildup on the aorta. This was afterof the studyfor those who consume little to no such vegetables every day, a big difference. Of course, that doesn't mean that people should only eat broccoli and Brussels sprouts. You should have a wide variety of vegetables every day for overall good health and well-being.
