Unsurprisingly, data shows that the benefit from produce consumption increases proportionally by the number of servings consumed. Panagiotakos, et al. (2003) noted a 10% reduction in coronary risk for every one piece of fruit consumed per day and and observed a 70% lower risk of coronary heart disease in those individuals who consumed vegetables just three times per week compared to those who consumed no vegetables.  

While it is not argued that fruits and vegetables are the most health promoting of foods, the specific components of these foods and the effects which make them so powerful are still a topic of great discussion. Foods richest in phytochemicals (such as berries) appear to be especially potent (Mozaffarian, 2016). 

There is general consensus that oxidative stress plays a key role in the development and progression of heart disease. Some phytochemicals have antioxidant activity and are believed to mitigate oxidative damage throughout the body. Polyphenols are well-studied phytochemicals demonstrating antioxidant properties that support anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and vasodilatory effects in the body and are believed to protect the heart from disease (Gormaz, Nicolas, Sotomayor, Turner & Rodrigo, 2016). Although studies indicate caution should be exercised in using antioxidant supplementation (Gaby, 2011), antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables as dominant dietary components play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of these foods have specific applications for the multiple diseases and disorders associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and resulting oxidative stress (Soory, 2012).

 An apple a day does, in fact, keep the doctor away! Flavinoids from produce such as apples also show promise in in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Koutsos, Tuohy, and Lovegrove (2015) cite epidemiological studies showing apple intake to be inversely related to heart disease risk and mortality in Finnish and U.S. populations. They speculate polyphenols and fiber influence bile acids directly (via binding) and indirectly through influencing the gut microbiota (by modifying the microbiota’s potential to deconjugate and hydrolyze bile acids), thus altering the quantity and chemical profile of bile acids returning to the liver. By breaking down bile acids in the gut, these bacteria force the liver to utilize more cholesterol in bile acid synthesis, thus reducing cholesterol available for plaque formation. It appears some species of gut bacteria also directly consume cholesterol, which may also contribute to the lowering of total cholesterol (Saini, Saini, & Sharma, 2010). In addition to bile acid metabolism, polyphenols may also directly influence the cell’s regulation of intestinal permeability, fat absorption, hepatic lipid/cholesterol metabolism, glucose homeostasis and systemic inflammation, yet these mechanisms remain to be convincingly demonstrated in human studies despite promising in vitro and animal studies. 

More recently, Klinder et al. (2016) echoed Saini, Saini and Sharma in a study exploring fruit and vegetable intake on the microbiota. Their observations confirmed the microbiota as a key player in the protective effects provided by the fiber and flavinoids in fruits and vegetables. Certain bacterial populations observed were associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors including plasma TNF-α, plasma lipids and BMI/waist circumference.

Soluble fiber is also readily available in fruits and vegetables and also connected to reduced risk of heart disease. Avocados, brussels sprouts, asparagus, oranges, sweet potatoes, figs, broccoli and many others top the list and can easily add up on a produce-focused food plan. Soluble fiber can serve to boost healthy bacteria in the colon, thus indirectly contributing to cardiovascular disease prevention, lower blood sugar (helpful in preventing associated inflammation) and lower total cholesterol. Soluble fiber often acts as a ‘prebiotic’, offering nourishment to healthy bacteria populations (Dietitians of Canada, 2013).

Finally, a diet focused on fruits and vegetables is effortlessly voluminous, crowding out space on the plate and in the stomach for less healthy options, such as refined carbohydrates and other processed foods. By becoming ‘hunters’ of fruits and vegetables we can foster an effective and tangible means of reducing disease and promoting health. 

A plant-based diet does not need to be a meat-free diet. Make most of your plate full of vegetables and low-sugar fruits and see how energized and healthy you feel!

RESOURCES: 

Dietitians of Canada. (2013) Food sources of soluble fiber. Retrieved from: http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Food-Sources-of-Soluble-Fibre.aspx

Gaby, A.R. (2011). Nutritional Medicine. Concord, NH: Fritz Perlberg Publishing.

Gormaz, J.G., Nicolas V., Sotomayor, C., Turner, T., & Rodrigo, R. (2016) Potential Role of Polyphenols in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: Molecular Bases. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 23(2), 115-128  DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666151127201732

Klinder, A., Shen, Q., Heppel, S., Lovegrove, J.A., Rowlanda, I., & Tuohyac, K.M. (2016) Impact of increasing fruit and vegetables and flavonoid intake on the human gut microbiota. Food & Function, 2016, Advance Article DOI: 10.1039/C5FO01096A

Koutsos,A., Tuohy, K.M., & Lovegrove, J.A. (2015) Apples and Cardiovascular Health—Is the Gut Microbiota a Core Consideration? Nutrients, 7(6), 3959–3998. DOI:  10.3390/nu7063959

Mozaffarian, D. (2016) Dietary and Policy Priorities for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review. Circulation, 133,187-225. Retrieved from: http://circ.ahajournals.org.uws.idm.oclc.org/content/133/2/187.long

Panagiotakos D.B., Pitsavos C., Kokkinos P., Chrysohoou C., Vavuranakis M., Stefanadis C., & Toutouzas P. (2003) Consumption of fruits and vegetables in relation to the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes; the CARDIO2000 case-control study. Nutrition Journal, 8(2), 2.

Saini, R., Saini, S., & Sharma, S. (2010). Potential of probiotics in controlling cardiovascular diseases. Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, 1(4), 213-213

Soory, M. (2012) Nutritional Antioxidants and Their Applications in Cardiometabolic Diseases. Infectious Disorders Drug Targets, 12(5), 388 – 401 DOI: 10.2174/187152612804142233