Youngsters who ate lots of sugar and fat from the age of seven had stiffer arteries at 17 than those who had healthier diets. And those who ate Mediterranean-style, with lots of fruit, veg, beans, pulses and fish, and less meat, had less stiff arteries aged 17.
Ten-year-olds who ate anti-inflammatory foods such as brightly coloured vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, spices and seafood had less artery stiffness seven years later as well.
Funded by the British Heart Foundation, the University of Bristol’s study looked at data for more than 4,700 minors.
The BHF’s Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan said: “A bold approach from Government is needed.
“This includes pushing ahead with delayed laws to curb junk food marketing, and driving industry to reduce the salt and sugar levels in our everyday foods.”
