The Associations of Fruit and Vegetable Intakes with Burden of Diseases: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

Promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables may help slash the burden of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments.

This study explored the impact a high fruit and vegetable diet has on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Researchers examined data derived from a pool of 64 scientific publications. 

The team of researchers found a reduced incidence of cancer, coronary heart disease, and all-cause (total) mortality among habitual consumers of fruits and vegetables. In contrast, regular intake of pickled vegetables and canned fruits was associated with increased risk of stomach cancer and mortality from cardiovascular disease respectively. This study supports current dietary recommendations that encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables for the prevention of chronic diseases.