Fruit and vegetables provide natural aspirin

Higher consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Salicylic acid, the active compound in aspirin, is also found in small amounts in many fruit and vegetables.

Italian researchers investigated the levels of salicylic acid in the blood of 36 healthy adults who were not taking any medications nor on any special diets.

They measured their vegetable intake but excluded potatoes and legumes, as these are not good sources of salicylic acid.

The researchers found that the people with the highest intakes of fruit and vegetables also had higher levels of salicylic acid in their bloodstream.

The researchers hypothesise that the continuous low circulating levels of salicylic acid in people regularly consuming fruit and vegetables, and its anti-inflammatory properties, may play a role in the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption.