Consuming 14-42 cups of vegetables a month versus <14 cups was associated with a 2.8 mmHg smaller increase in systolic blood pressure over 7 years (p < 0.01).
Cohort (n=1,710)
Does higher intake of vegetables and fruits and lower intake of meat reduce long-term blood pressure increase in middle-aged men?
Diets higher in fruits and vegetables and lower in meats are associated with a smaller increase in blood pressure over time in middle-aged men.
Mean Difference: -2.8
p-value: p=< 0.01
Information is sparse on the role of foods in long-term blood pressure (BP) change. The investigators examined relations of food intake to BP change in a prospective cohort study of 1,710 employed men in Chicago, Illinois, initially aged 41-57 years. In 1958 and 1959, BP was measured and nutrient intake assessed by comprehensive interview. In 1959, intake of 26 specific food groups was also assessed. BP was remeasured annually through 1966. The generalized estimating equation method was used to analyze relations of food group intakes to average annual BP change, adjusting for age, weight at each year, alcohol consumption, calories, and other foods. Average systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increase was 1.9/0.3 mmHg per year. The SBP of men who consumed 14-42 cups of vegetables a month (0.5-1.5 cups/day) versus <14 cups a month (<0.5 cups/day) was estimated to rise 2.8 mmHg less in 7 years (p < 0.01). The SBP of men who consumed 14-42 cups of fruit a month versus <14 cups a month was estimated to increase 2.2 mmHg less in 7 years (p < 0.05). Beef-veal-lamb and poultry intakes were related directly to a greater SBP/DBP increase (p < 0.05). These results support the concept that diets higher in fruits and vegetables and lower in meats (except fish) may reduce the risk of developing high BP.
Katsuyuki Miura (Fri,) conducted a cohort in Blood pressure change (n=1,710). Vegetable and fruit intake vs. Lower intake (<14 cups a month) was evaluated on 7-year change in systolic blood pressure (2.8 mmHg less increase, p=< 0.01). Consuming 14-42 cups of vegetables a month versus <14 cups was associated with a 2.8 mmHg smaller increase in systolic blood pressure over 7 years (p < 0.01).