Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia, and the Danish Cancer Institute suggests that a diet rich in leafy greens could mitigate atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVDs). ASVDs, a subset of cardiovascular diseases, are leading causes of global mortality, primarily attributed to heart attacks and strokes. In Australia, cardiovascular diseases account for a fatality every 12 minutes, noted ECU PhD student Montana Dupuy.
The study indicated that elevated intake of Vitamin K1, prevalent in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli, may diminish ASVD risks. These vegetables are noted for their potential role in preventing the vascular calcification commonly associated with cardiovascular disease.
According to ECU Senior Research Fellow Dr. Marc Sim, "A cup and a half of such vegetables is an easy way to increase our daily vitamin K intake and may lower our risk for cardiovascular disease."
Research further revealed that women consuming approximately 30% more Vitamin K1 than the Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest experienced reduced long-term ASVD risks. "Of importance, when we examined the blood vessels in the neck, those with a higher Vitamin K1 intake also had less thickening of these blood vessels, a marker of atherosclerosis," Dr. Sim explained.
This research, driven by Ms. Dupuy and Dr. Sim, underscores Vitamin K's impact on vascular health. It will guide future studies at ECU's Future Foods and Digital Gastronomy Lab, where specialized meals are developed for clinical trials aimed at enhancing population health. ECU Post Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Liezhou Zhong mentioned, "We are now creating new foods which pack more leafy greens that are rich in Vitamin K1. These novel foods can be used in communities with special nutritional and dietary requirements, such as aged care residents."
Source: News Medical
