NEW YORK, May 17 (Reuters Health) -- A high intake of flavonoids -- antioxidant compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables -- may cut risks for fatal heart attack in older women by more than a third, researchers report.
Consumption of broccoli, especially, "was strongly associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease death" in postmenopausal women, according to Dr. Aaron Folsom and colleagues at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Their findings are published in the May 15th issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Flavonoids are found in numerous fruits and vegetables, as well as in certain types of tea. These compounds are thought to be antioxidants -- compounds capable of 'mopping up' free radicals, the harmful byproducts of normal metabolism. Numerous studies have suggested that antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
In their study, Folsom's team examined the 10-year incidence of fatal heart attack and stroke of over 34,000 Iowa women whose diet and medical history had been followed since 1986.
The authors say they "observed a statistically significant 38% reduction" in heart disease deaths among women with the highest daily level of flavonoids versus women with the lowest daily intake.
"There was no association between total flavonoid intake and stroke mortality," the investigators note.
The study focused on daily intake of three major sources of flavonoids -- apples, broccoli, and tea. Of the three sources, only high broccoli consumption was associated with significant reductions in heart attack, Folsom's team reports.
The researchers explain that flavonoids appear to reduce oxidation of LDL ('bad') cholesterol in the bloodstream, preventing cholesterol from sticking to artery walls, which can lead to clogged arteries and boost heart attack risk.
Folsom and colleagues conclude that their findings linking flavonoid intake to a reduced risk of heart disease mortality "are consistent with a growing number of studies and are the most definitive for women to date."
SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology 1999;149:943-949.
