Question:
Does eating more fruits and vegetables per day impact all-cause mortality as well as mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer. And how much more makes a difference?
Conclusion:
One extra serving of fruits and vegetables a day reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease-related mortality. Each additional serving further reduces risk, up to 5 additional servings.
Process:
- 16 of 5632 studies qualified for analysis
- Selected prospective studies with follow-ups between 4-26 years
- Study quality ranked on a 9-point scale; average rating was 7.1
Analysis:
- One serving = ~2.75 oz
- Measures: survival and mortality risk based on fruit and vegetable intake for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality
Results:
For an increase of one serving of fruits and vegetables per day:
- 5% lower risk of all-cause mortality
All-cause mortality average reduced risk, compared to people who consumed no fruits or vegetables:
- 1 serving = 8% reduced risk
- 2 servings = 15% reduced risk
- 3 servings = 21% reduced risk
- 4 servings = 26% reduced risk
- 5 servings = 26% reduced risk
For cardiovascular-related mortality, average reduced risk:
- 4% for each serving of fruits and vegetables
- 5% for each serving of fruits
- 4% for each serving of vegetables
Other Information:
- No measurable impact on cancer-related mortality
- Studies do not account for other dietary factors, like saturated fat intake