Adding fruits and vegetables to our daily diet is known to be important for our health, however the optimal mix of consumption required to maintain long-term health remains controversial to this day.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers, which surveyed more than 2 million people worldwide, found that two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables are the optimal combination for a longer life. Those who consumed five fruits and vegetables a day were found in 13 % Lower risk of death compared to those who did not consume this amount.
Compared to those who consumed two servings of fruits and vegetables a day, participants who consumed five servings of fruits and vegetables a day were found to have a 12 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. In addition, they were found to be 10% less likely to die from cancer and 35% less likely to die from respiratory diseases.
However, the researchers point out that not all fruits and vegetables offer the same health benefits, as starchy vegetables like peas, corn and potatoes have not been found to be associated with a reduced risk of death, presumably because of their high glycemic load, which is associated with a high risk of chronic disease. The same results were found for fruit juices that contain a high amount of sugar.