Young Adults Who Eat Fruits and Vegetables Have Fewer Heart Problems Later

A study published in the journal Circulation reports young adults who eat fruits and vegetables had less coronary artery plaque twenty years later.

Researchers followed over 2,500 participants for two decades. They placed the participants into three groups, based on how many fruits and veggies they consumed - the most, a medium amount and the lowest amounts.

Those who ate the highest number of fruits and veggies (more than five servings) had a twenty-six percent lower chance of developing calcified plaque twenty years later, when compared to those who ate the least.

A buildup of calcified plaque is the main cause of atherosclerosis, which can lead to stroke and heart attacks.

There is a connection between fruit and vegetable consumption with heart health in middle-aged people. This is the first study examining the diets of young adults.