Slashing Heart Attack Risk With Dr. Mercola

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On Mercola.com, Dr. Joseph Mercola explains to his readers the research showing that the more vegetables you eat, the lower your risk of heart disease. I read all Dr. Mercola’s key essays and learn a lot from him. I hope you will read these key points and heed Dr. Mercola’s message. He writes (abridged):

Story at-a-glance

The more vegetables you eat, the lower your risk of heart disease, with different types of vegetables protecting your heart through different mechanisms

Leafy greens have high amounts of nitrates that naturally boost your nitric oxide level. L-citrulline in watermelon also boosts nitric oxide

Cruciferous veggies lower your risk of stroke and heart attack by promoting more supple neck arteries and preventing the buildup of arterial plaque

Probiotic-rich sauerkraut has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve high blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, all of which benefit your cardiovascular and heart health

The best way to maximize your benefits is to eat a wide variety of vegetables on a daily basis, making sure to include nitrate-rich leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, magnesium- and quercetin-rich varieties, plus onions and some homemade sauerkraut

By Dr. Mercola

Research has shown that the more vegetables you eat, the lower your risk of heart disease, with different types of vegetables protecting your heart through different mechanisms. Leafy greens, for example, have high amounts of nitrates that naturally boost your nitric oxide (NO) level.¹ Cruciferous veggies, on the other hand, lower your risk of stroke and heart attack by promoting more supple neck arteries and preventing the buildup of arterial plaque.

In fermented cabbage, it’s the fiber content that helps lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control, thereby lowering your risk of heart problems. Phytonutrients in sauerkraut also help promote easy blood flow and flexible blood vessels, and veggies rich in magnesium and quercetin also provide important heart benefits. Following is a summary of some of the top vegetable types for maintaining healthy heart function well into old age.