Hostility may deplete certain heart-healthy antioxidants, says new research.
In this study, 3,579 men and women age 18 to 30 were assessed for their levels of several different antioxidants including carotenoids and vitamin E. Carotenoids, such as beta carotene, are responsible for the dark green and orange pigments found in kale, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Having high levels of hostility at the start of the study was associated with lower levels of several types of carotenoids seven years later. But hostility wasn't found to cause low levels of vitamin E or carotenoids.
The researchers suggest that hostile individuals are more likely to smoke and drink - habits that can deplete antioxidants.
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