CAN FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND VITAMINS PREVENT STROKE AND HEART ATTACK?
(March 2002) The answer is maybe. In 1997, a very good review appeared in the International Journal of Epidemiology.Nothing since then has appeared in the literature that changes the conclusions. For stroke resulting from reduced blood supply to the brain, the evidence of a protective effect is reasonably good for at least four to five servings a day of fruits and vegetables; but, it is not clear which fruits and vegetables are most effective. There is no persuasive evidence vitamin C or Beta carotene is beneficial, no adequate evidence on folic acid, and inconsistent evidence for vitamin E. One recent study suggested that vitamin E from food reduces stroke risk, whereas another study argues vitamin E from supplements, but not from foods is moderately protective. At present, eating four, five, or more portions of fruits and vegetables a day probably results in a modest reduction in risk of stroke. No specific vitamin can be recommended. What about coronary heart disease and heart attac
