Researchers at the Qingdao College of Medicine in China found that eating just 200 grams of fruit per day dramatically reduced the risk of heart disease and other diseases. They were able to accurately establish that if you eat 200 grams of fruit every day, this reduces the risk of stroke by 32%. At the same time, 200 g of vegetables reduce it by only 11% (which, however, is also significant).
Another victory for fruits in the eternal fruit-vs-vegetable fight – one that we know wins for everyone who eats them.
“It is very important for the entire population to improve the quality of the diet and maintain an active lifestyle,” said one study leader, Dr. Yang Ku, who runs the intensive care unit at Qingdao Municipal Hospital. “In particular, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended because that it meets the requirements for the intake of micro- and macronutrients and fiber without increasing calories, which would be undesirable.
Previously (in 2012), scientists found that eating tomatoes also effectively protects against stroke: with their help, you can reduce its likelihood by as much as 65%! Thus, the new study does not contradict, but complements the previous one: people with an unfavorable prognosis for stroke can be recommended to consume both tomatoes and fresh fruits in increased quantities.
The results of the study, conducted by Chinese scientists, were published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke.