A buildup of fat in the arteries is a dangerous condition that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. But a new study confirms compounds found in eating the right kinds of foods can mitigate that risk. Researchers from the University of Catalonia in Spain found a high level of carotenes in the blood is linked to a lower incidence of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries which translates to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis is a fatty buildup on the inner walls of blood vessels, generally in the form of LDL cholesterol. That buildup, or plaque, narrows the internal diameter of the blood vessel and limits the amount of blood that can flow through.
There is a risk that plaque can obstruct the blood flow completely when the buildup gets so thick or when a piece breaks off and causes a blockage. If it happens in and around the heart it can trigger a heart attack and when it restricts blood flow to the brain a stroke ensues.
Carotenes are a bioactive compound prevalent in plant foods. They are commonly found in brightly colored and dark green vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, cantaloupes, broccoli and pumpkins.
Scientists looked at 200 people between the ages of 50 and 70 who were analyzed for heart health. They were fist checked for the level of carotenes in the blood through a standard blood test. They were then checked for arterial blockage in the carotid artery through the use of an ultrasound. The carotid artery is a major artery found on both sides of the neck. It is the main supplier of blood to the brain.
Researchers in this study found an inverse correlation between carotenes and atherosclerosis. The study subjects with higher levels of carotenes in their blood had less fat buildup in their arteries. And the ones with the lowest amounts of carotenes had the most blockage.
Scientist Chiva Blanch said previous studies regarding carotenes were inconclusive and when taken as a supplement it seemed to have a prejudicial effect. This study was focused solely on the carotene levels in the blood and Blanch was pleased with what he found.
"The study concludes that the greater the concentration of carotenes in the blood, the lesser the atherosclerotic burden, particularly in women," Blanch said. "So, we can confirm that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and thus in carotenes lowers the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases."