Study Identifies Vegetables That May Help Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Regular consumption of legumes and cruciferous vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in young adults, according to a new Australian study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

The study included 638 Australians with an average age of approximately 22 years. Participants completed dietary questionnaires, after which researchers assessed their cardiometabolic risk—the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The analysis also accounted for lifestyle, sex, and other factors that could influence the results.

The findings suggest that different vegetable groups may provide distinct health benefits for men and women.

Among men, the strongest protective association was observed with a higher intake of legumes, including peas, green beans, baked beans, soybeans, and other types of beans. Men who regularly consumed these foods had an approximately 72% lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders compared with those who ate them infrequently.

Among women, the greatest benefit was linked to regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Women with the highest intake had an approximately 85% lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.

The researchers emphasize that the study identified an association rather than a cause-and-effect relationship. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that different groups of vegetables may influence cardiometabolic health differently in men and women.

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