(NewsNation) — People who eat or drink things such as nuts, berries, tea and coffee may be supporting better heart health along the way.
The study, done by researchers at King’s College London, shows that those foods and drinks are high in polyphenols, which are naturally occurring plant compounds associated with a range of potential benefits for the heart, brain and digestive system, according to Colorado State University.
In the study, the team tracked the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of 3,100 adults living in the U.K. over 11 years, and they also tracked cardiovascular risk profiles for the involved participants. Those who followed a diet rich in polyphenols had a lower risk of contracting heart disease.
“Our findings show that long-term adherence to polyphenol-rich diets can substantially slow the rise in cardiovascular risk as people age,” Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, senior author of the study, said. “Even small, sustained shifts towards foods like berries, tea, coffee, nuts, and whole grains may help protect the heart over time.”
Researchers noted that the study was only to show associations between polyphenol intake and heart health, and not cause and effect. However, they say that although cardiovascular risk increases with age, the study suggests that polyphenol-rich diets can slow that progression.