Eating a high-fibre diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease

Eating a high-fibre diet from a young age could dramatically improve the health of your heart. A recent study by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found that adults aged between 20 and 59 years old with the highest fibre intake had a significantly lower lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.    

The findings from the study were presented yesterday at the American Heart Association: Nutrition Scientific Sessions 2011, in Atlanta. Although this is the first known study to show the influence of fibre on the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, it has long been known that high-fibre foods can help people to lose weight, lower cholesterol and improve hypertension.  

The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was a national representative sample of 11,000 adults. Participants were analysed in terms of diet, blood pressure, total cholesterol, smoking status and history of diabetes and then a formula was used to predict the lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease.  

Young (20 to 39 years) and middle aged (40 to 59 years) adults who had the highest fibre intakes, compared to those with the lowest intakes, showed a significantly lower lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. In adults aged 60 to 79 years, fibre intake was not significantly associated with a reduction in lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore possible that the beneficial effects of dietary fibre may require a long period of time to be achieved.

A fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. Full medical glossary
Disease of the heart and blood vessels, usually due to atherosclerosis. Full medical glossary
A substance present in many tissues and an important constituent of cell membranes although high concentrations of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood are unhealthy. Full medical glossary
A disorder caused by insufficient or absent production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, or because the tissues are resistant to the effects. Full medical glossary
A viral infection affecting the respiratory system. Full medical glossary
High blood pressure. Full medical glossary
Relating to blood vessels. Full medical glossary