Just half a cup of cruciferous vegetables – such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage or broccoli a day significantly lowers the risk of serious falls in older people, according to new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU).
They studied the diets of a group of older Western Australian women aged 70 and older and tracked falls over 15 years. Of the 40 per cent of participants who suffered a fall, those who ate more veg were 23 per cent less likely to have a fall that needed hospitalisation.
Overall, a higher vegie intake was linked to a lower risk of falls – with cruciferous veg coming out on top.
The Pop-Eye effect?
Why would this be the case? The researchers say eating more veg is associated with better muscle strength and physical function, though they still need to investigate further to understand exactly why cabbage trumps carrots in the health stakes.
And while it sounds silly to say eat up more cauliflower, considering only seven per cent of Aussies get their recommended serves of veg a day – and falls are the main reason that over-65s end up in hospital every year – it’s not bad advice.
Just don’t serve me up Brussels sprouts.
