Life Extension, June 24, 2011
http://www.lef.org/whatshot/2011_06.htm#Increased-consumption-of-cruciferous-vegetables-linked-with-lower-risk-of-dying-over-a-decade
A report published in the July, 2011 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that men and women who consume a greater amount of cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, have a lower risk of dying over 4.6 to 10.2 years of follow-up.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Shanghai Cancer Institute analyzed data from 61,436 subjects enrolled in the Shanghai Men’s Health Study and 73,360 participants in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study. Questionnaires administered upon enrollment provided information on the intake of fruit and vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables.
Over an average follow-up period of 4.6 years, 1,951 deaths occurred in the Shanghai Men’s Study, and 3,442 deaths occurred in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study group over a 10.2 year average. Greater intake of fruit and vegetables was associated with a decreased risk of dying for both men and women. Cruciferous vegetables emerged as particularly protective against the risk of death, with a 22 percent lower risk of dying experienced by subjects whose intake was among the highest one-fifth compared to those whose intake was lowest. When deaths were examined by cause, men and women whose intake of cruciferous vegetables was highest had 31 percent lower adjusted risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those whose intake was lowest.
In their discussion of possible mechanisms of action for fruit and vegetables, the authors remark that the vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals contained therein may affect health via multiple pathways. Sulforaphane, contained in cruciferous vegetables, can help lower oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. “Our findings based on two large cohorts of Chinese women and men support the recommendation to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables, to promote cardiovascular health and overall longevity,” they conclude.