Eating whole fruits is associated with improved cardiovascular health

Whole fruits were associated with better cardiovascular health, while scientists did not find such a consistent connection for 100% fruit juice. Experts from the University of North Dakota came to this conclusion after analyzing data from more than 371 thousand people. The study results were published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN).

The researchers compared the frequency of consumption of whole fruits and fruit juice with the prevalence of hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and heart attack. The analysis took into account age, income, education, smoking and other factors.

It turned out that people who ate whole fruits less frequently were more likely to experience all four cardiovascular problems. For 100% fruit juice, such a consistent relationship could not be identified.

One reason may be fiber, which is retained in whole fruits but is largely removed when juicing. It helps slow down the flow of sugar into the blood. In addition, whole fruit and juice may vary in the content and availability of beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols.