According to the BBC, a study involving 65,226 participants shows that individuals who consume more fruits and vegetables daily are healthier across all age groups and significantly reduce the risk of death from cancer and heart disease.
This research was conducted by researchers at University College London, who analyzed people's dietary habits through a nationwide survey, with data primarily collected from 2001 to 2008. The results indicate that individuals consuming one to three portions of fruits and vegetables daily have a 14% lower risk of death from various causes, those consuming three to five portions have a 29% lower risk, those consuming five to seven portions have a 36% lower risk, and those consuming more than seven portions have a 42% lower risk.
Researchers state that fresh vegetables have the strongest protective health effects, followed by salads, and then fruits. However, fruit juices do not provide such benefits, and canned fruits may even increase the risk of death, possibly due to the syrup they contain.
Chief researcher Oyinlola Oyebode described the study's results as "astonishing," as fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that can repair damaged cells. They also contain abundant micronutrients and fiber, both of which are beneficial to health.
Some experts have expressed skepticism about the study's findings, arguing that other lifestyle factors can also affect lifespan. They believe that promoting a diet of seven portions of fruits and vegetables daily would be challenging without government support to subsidize the cost of fruits and vegetables or to tax sugary foods.
The government, however, states that the current recommendation of five portions of fruits and vegetables daily is already quite sufficient, and many people do not even meet this guideline.
