Increased Leafy Green Vegetable Intake Linked to Lower Atherosclerotic Disease Risk

A recent study conducted by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia, and the Danish Cancer Institute has revealed that consuming a cup and a half of leafy green vegetables daily may significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVDs). ASVDs, a critical subgroup of cardiovascular diseases, are among the leading causes of death globally, primarily resulting in heart attacks and strokes. According to ECU PhD student Ms. Montana Dupuy, cardiovascular diseases claim the life of one individual every 12 minutes in Australia alone, underscoring the need for effective dietary strategies to combat this health crisis.

The study highlights the importance of Vitamin K1, predominantly found in leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, in mitigating vascular calcification associated with cardiovascular disease. Ms. Dupuy noted, "Leafy green and cruciferous vegetables... contain Vitamin K1 which may assist in preventing vascular calcification processes that characterize cardiovascular disease. The great news is that these vegetables can be easily incorporated into your daily meals."

Dr. Marc Sim, Senior Research Fellow at ECU, emphasized that increasing Vitamin K1 intake could be a simple yet effective method to enhance cardiovascular health. He stated, "This research found women who consumed approximately 30% higher intakes of Vitamin K1 than currently recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines had lower long-term risk of ASVD."

Further analysis showed that participants with higher Vitamin K1 intake exhibited reduced thickening of the carotid arteries, a crucial marker of atherosclerosis. This finding reinforces the potential of dietary modifications in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The researchers aim to leverage these findings to inform future studies and develop specialized foods enriched with Vitamin K1 for populations with specific nutritional needs, such as the elderly.

Dr. Liezhou Zhong, a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at ECU, remarked, "We are consolidating all our epidemiological data and converting that into a tangible product that would benefit the community." The implications of this research extend beyond individual health, as it could inform public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

The study, titled "Higher vitamin K1 intakes are associated with lower subclinical atherosclerosis and lower risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease-related outcomes in older women," was published in the European Journal of Nutrition in June 2025. This research not only contributes to the growing body of evidence linking diet to cardiovascular health but also highlights the necessity for ongoing exploration of dietary interventions in public health strategies. As cardiovascular diseases continue to pose a significant public health challenge, understanding the role of diet in disease prevention is more crucial than ever.