Low level of consumption of fruits and vegetables could raise an individual's risk of dying prematurely from chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and ischemic heart disease.
This study reviewed the relationship between habitual eating of fruits and vegetables and the odds of dying from chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Researchers tracked dietary and mortality data from New Zealand.
The research team attributed 1,559 deaths resulting from cancer, ischemic stroke, and ischemic heart disease recorded in 1997 to inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. In contrast, they projected that increasing the rate of consumption of fruits and vegetables could save 334 lives from chronic diseases, particularly from ischemic heart disease. "Inadequate vegetable and fruit intake is an important cause of mortality in New Zealand," the study concluded.