How To Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease and Cancer
Research has shown that those who eat more flavonoid-rich foods are less likely to die of cancer or heart disease.
The study that looked at the diets of 53,000 people over 23 years have concluded that eating 500mg of antioxidants (flavonoids) each day reduced the risk of death.
To consume 500mg, eat an apple, orange, portion of broccoli and a handful of blueberries. It is important that you consume a variety of flavonoid compounds.
It is thought that antioxidants help maintain healthy blood vessels and reduce inflammation, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Artery plaque build-up is thought to trigger inflammation. This inflammation could irritate the blood vessels, causing the plaque to loosen and form clots. These clots could cause a heart attack or stroke if they block an artery. Long-term inflammation is linked to DNA damage that could lead to cancer.
Current disease statistics:
- Cancer – 1 in 2
- Heart disease – 25% of all UK deaths
The study showed that consuming 500mg of flavonoids each day reduced the participant’s risk of developing cancer and heart disease by the following amount:
- Cancer – 36%
- Heart disease – 38%
