People who eat more spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens have a much lower risk of heart disease than those who eat little or none, even after accounting for other healthy habits.

Scientific Claim

Higher intake of green leafy vegetables is associated with a 28% lower risk of coronary heart disease per 100 g/day increase, indicating that specific types of vegetables may offer enhanced cardiovascular protection.

Original Statement

“Green leafy vegetables: Per 100 g/d, RR = 0.72 (0.64–0.82) for coronary heart disease... Inverse associations were observed between the intake of... green leafy vegetables... and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.”

From study:Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim correctly uses 'associated with' and reflects the observed relative risk reduction from observational data, avoiding causal language while accurately conveying the strength of the association.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

This big study found that people who eat more green leafy veggies like spinach and kale have a lower risk of heart disease, which matches the claim that these veggies help protect the heart.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Score: 43

DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw319

Similar Assertions

People who eat more fruits and veggies each day—up to about 8 servings—are less likely to get heart disease, with the biggest drop in risk happening when they go from eating very little to eating a moderate amount.

88%

People who eat more fruits and vegetables—up to about 10 servings a day—are much less likely to develop heart disease, with the biggest drop in risk coming from adding even a few servings to their diet.

86%

People who eat more fruits and veggies have a slightly lower chance of dying from heart disease, and both fruits and veggies contribute to this benefit.

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Eating leafy greens, broccoli, oranges, and other colorful fruits and veggies is linked to living longer, likely because they’re packed with good nutrients.

76%

People who eat two pieces of fruit and three servings of vegetables every day have a lower chance of dying from heart disease than those who eat less, but eating more doesn’t help much beyond that.

76%