An apple a day may do more than just keep the doctor away. That is, if you add another apple and three serving of veggies!
According to recent research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, eating two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily may prolong your life.
Photo: Rachel Claire via Pexels
The study included data from almost two million adults across the globe. The 1.9 million participants hailed from 29 countries and territories in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. An analysis of the data showed an association between longevity and eating two servings of fruit and two of veggies every day.
Even though the combined five servings extended the overall lifespan, no evidence was found that eating more fruits and vegetables could or would have an additional impact.
Lead study author Dong D. Wang, M.D., Sc.D., an epidemiologist, nutritionist and a member of the medical faculty at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston said, “While groups like the American Heart Association recommend four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily, consumers likely get inconsistent messages about what defines optimal daily intake of fruits and vegetables such as the recommended amount, and which foods to include and avoid.”
Wang added insight into the research, noting, “This amount likely offers the most benefit in terms of prevention of major chronic disease and is a relatively achievable intake for the general public.”
If you’re wondering what types of fruits and veggies to eat, Wang cautions adults that these would-be healthy foods aren’t all equal, “We also found that not all fruits and vegetables offer the same degree of benefit, even though current dietary recommendations generally treat all types of fruits and vegetables, including starchy vegetables, fruit juices and potatoes, the same.”
—Erica Loop
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