DALLAS, March 1, 2021 – Studies representing nearly 2 million adults worldwide show that eating approximately five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, including 2 fruits and vegetables, is likely. 3 vegetables, the best amount for longer life, according to a new study published today in the prestigious journal American Heart Association Circulation.
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help reduce the risk for a number of breast health diseases that are the leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, only about one in 10 adults eat enough fruit or vegetables, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“While organizations such as the American Heart Association recommend four to five secrets of each fruit and vegetable per day, consumers are likely to receive inconsistent messages about what best describes fruit and vegetables. vegetables as the recommended amount, and what foods should be ingested and avoided. ”Said study lead author Dong D. Wang, MD, Sc.D., epidemiologist, nutritionist and member of the medical faculty at Harvard and Brigham Medical School and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Wang and colleagues analyzed data from the Nurses Health Survey and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, two studies involving more than 100,000 adults followed for up to 30 years. Both datasets included detailed food information that was re-collected every two to four years. For this analysis, researchers also collected data on fruit and vegetable intake and mortality from 26 studies that included approximately 1.9 million participants from 29 countries and regions in North America and Europe. South, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
All studies revealed a mix, with a mix of over 2 million participants:
- Ingestion of about five servings of fruits and vegetables per day was associated with the lowest risk of death. Eating no more than five secrets was associated with added gain.
- Eating about two servings per day of fruit and three servings per day of vegetables was associated with maximum longevity.
- Compared with those who ate two servings of fruits and vegetables per day, all causes had a 13% lower risk of death for participants who ate five servings a day of fruits and vegetables; 12% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke; 10% lower risk of death from cancer; and a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Not all foods that could be considered fruits and vegetables offered the same benefits. For example: Starchy vegetables, such as peas and corn, fruit juice and potatoes were not associated with a lower risk of death from all causes or specific breast diseases.
- On the other hand, green leafy vegetables, including spinach, lettuce and cabbage, and fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries and carrots, showed up.
“Our analysis in both groups of U.S. men and women yielded similar results to those of 26 peers worldwide, which supports the biological relevance of our decisions and suggest that these decisions can be applied to wider numbers, ”said Wang.
Wang said this study identifies the optimal level of fruit and vegetable intake and supports the public health message, a ‘5-a-day’ summary, meaning people should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. “This sum is likely to offer the greatest benefit in preventing major heart disease and is an achievable opportunity for the public,” he said. “We also found that not all fruits and vegetables offer the same level of benefit, even though standard diet recommendations usually cover all types of fruit and vegetables, including starchy vegetables, fruit juice and potatoes. ”
The limitation of the research is that it is speculative, showing a link between fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of death; it does not provide a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
“The American Heart Association recommends filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal,” said Anne Thorndike, MD, MPH, chair of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Harvard Medical School. Boston. “This research provides strong evidence for the lifelong benefits of eating fruit and vegetables and suggests a goal of eating every day for exceptional health. Fruits and vegetables are naturally packaged sources of nutrients that are included in most foods and snacks, and are essential for keeping our hearts and bodies healthy. ”
###
Co-authors are Yanping Li, Ph.D .; Shilpa N. Bhupathiraju, Ph.D .; Bernard A. Rosner, Ph.D .; Qi Sun, MD, Sc.D .; Edward L. Giovannucci; Eric B. Rimm, Sc.D .; JoAnn E. Manson, MD, MPH, Dr.PH, FAHA; Walter C. Willett, MD, Dr.PH; Meir J. Stampfer, MD, Dr.PH; and Frank B. Hu, MD, Ph.D.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association and the National Institute of Diabetes and Compensatory Diseases and Kidney of the National Institutes of Health.
Additional resources:
Reports and conclusions of studies published in the scientific journals of the American Heart Association are solely the authors of a study and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the Society. The Society makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy or reliability. The Society receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceuticals, appliance manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund the Society’s special programs and events. The Society has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the content of science. Revenue from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, equipment manufacturers and health insurance providers can be found here, and the Society’s full financial information is available here.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a non-stop force for a world of longer and healthier life. We are committed to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaborations with several organizations, and under the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share life-saving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a major source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! they are not responsible for the accuracy of press releases posted to EurekAlert! by sending institutions or for using any information through the EurekAlert system.