Frequent vegetable consumption is inversely associated with hypertension among indigenous Africans

Aims The relationship between vegetable consumption and hypertension occurrence remains poorly characterized in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the association of vegetable consumption with odds of hypertension among indigenous Africans. Methods and results We harmonized data on prior vegetable consumption and hypertension occurrence (defined as one of the following conditions; systolic blood pressure ≥140 or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or previous diagnosis or use of antihypertensive medications) from 16 445 participants across five African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Burkina Faso) in the Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network and Africa Wits-INDEPTH partnership for Genomic studies. Vegetable consumption (in servings/week) was classified as ‘low’ ( Conclusion Indigenous Africans who consumed at least 12 servings of vegetables per week were less likely to be found hypertensive, particularly among males and young adults.