Study: Fruits, Veggies Cut Risk of Premature Death
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Eating seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day may cut the risk of premature death by 42 percent, according to a new study from University College London.
It found that diets rich in fruits and veggies may protect against cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
Eating at least seven servings helped the most, but each serving increase was associated with a lower risk of death.
When the scientists broke it down by cause of death, they found fruit and veggie lovers who consumed the most had a 31 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease or stroke and a 25 percent lower risk of dying from cancer.
Vegetables seemed to provide a greater health benefit than fruit.
Researchers looked at more than 65,000 adults over age 35 between 2001 and 2008.
The study only recorded one day of participant's fruit and vegetable consumption and did not look at other dietary habits such as salt use, the fat content of meals, or overall calorie consumption.
But their results give us yet another reason to reach for fruits and veggies throughout the day to keep us healthy longer.