Most Americans and Britons do not consume the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Many observational studies have reported health benefits of higher fruit and vegetable consumption. A new trial of increased fruit/vegetable intake on blood pressure finds that healthy British adults who added an average of one and a half servings per day decreased their blood pressure. About 345 people were in an intervention group, and an equal number were in the control group. After six months, blood pressure dropped by 3.4 mm for systolic and 1.4 mm for diastolic pressure compared to the controls. Five of 11 blood values of nutrients from plants were increased, confirming that subjects did eat more fruits and vegetables. The study appeared in the May 28, 2002 issue of the Lancet.

Here’s what you need to know: these decreases in blood pressure may have public health significance. This change occurred without any drop in weight. Nurses spent 25 minutes with each person advocating greater fruit/vegetable consumption. Previous research in the U.S. found high intake of fruits and vegetables combined with low-fat dairy decreased blood pressure more than fruits and veggies alone. So, tell yourself that you should eat more fruits and vegetables. In the supermarket, it will help to keep you away from the processed snacks.

Nutrition News Focus, July 17, 2002 http://www.nutritionnewsfocus.com

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 10:3, September 2002. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.