Scientific evidence that fruits and vegetables protect against stroke

This long-term prospective cohort study, which included more than 114,000 Americans over an eight to 14 year period, addressed the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of ischemic stroke. There are few previous reports in the medical literature of the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and cardiovascular health. All individuals participating in the study were health care professionals. They were divided into quintiles based on self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, and incidence and type of stroke were noted as they occurred. After adjustment for possible confounding influences, the results of the study demonstrated an inverse relationship between consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of ischemic stroke in both men and women. Consumption of cruciferous and leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits and juices was associated with the greatest protection against ischemic stroke.