Fruits and vegetables are foods that are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients can certainly have a good influence on the health of the body. It's no secret that these foods can keep you safe from various diseases.

In several studies, it has been known that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of heart-related diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, and improve the health of the digestive system. After analysing several studies, experts estimate that the risk of heart disease can decrease by about 20% if you consume at least five servings of fruit or vegetables per day. According to recommendations issued by The United States Department of Agriculture, adults are encouraged to consume 1.5-2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 people has obeyed the recommendation.

According to the latest study presented at the American Society for Nutrition, low fruit intake accounts for 1 in 7 deaths from heart disease. Also, experts found that low vegetable intake can cause 1 in 12 deaths from heart disease. Based on the results of data analysis from 2010, low fruit intake was associated with 1 million deaths from stroke and 500,000 deaths from heart disease per year, while low vegetable intake was associated with 200,000 deaths from stroke and more than 800,000 deaths from heart disease per year.

If grouped by region, South Asia, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Oceania are the regions that have the lowest intake of fruits and vegetables. These areas also have high death rate caused by stroke and heart disease. Based on age and sex, young adults and men were found to have low fruit and vegetable intake compared to women.

The experts explained that this study aims to provide information and increase public awareness of the importance of meeting the needs of fruits and vegetables for the health of the body.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Medical News Today - Low fruit and vegetable intake may account for millions of deaths (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325459.php, 19 June 2019.