Yasmina Kattou // Photo credit: THOMAS SAMSON / AFP
If we tell you to eat five fruits and vegetables a day, it’s not for nothing and it could prevent heart attacks! An Inserm study has demonstrated that a diet low in fiber, and therefore low in vegetables, has a harmful influence on the arteries.
It’s a refrain that we hear often, but which is ultimately very important for our health. “Eating five fruits and vegetables a day” could notably help avoid heart attacks, because taking care of your microbiota means taking care of your arteries. This is what researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) revealed, who analyzed the microbiota of mice after a diet rich in fat and especially low in fiber. The result is clear.
Risks of atherosclerosis
Not only did the mice gain weight, but their intestinal flora became unbalanced and fatty plaques formed around their arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. In fact, the lack of fiber has reduced the production of fatty acids necessary for our good health, explains Catherine Lacrosnière, nutritionist.
“Less fiber means that in fact, we have less transformation into fatty acids. However, this phenomenon leads to local inflammation with a multiplication of immune cells around the intestine,” explains “And this local inflammation will be transmitted, since these cells will migrate towards the arteries and promote atherosclerosis which causes cardiovascular diseases.”
Scientists are now seeking to identify bacteria that are particularly beneficial for our arteries. The long-term goal is to be able to provide humans with the fibers and bacteria necessary to prevent heart attacks and strokes.