Want to live longer? Eat more fruits and veggies. Sure, we’ve heard our entire lives that fruits and vegetables are what you need to grow healthy and strong. But the latest study, which analyzed data from more than 2 million people, suggests consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables each day lowers your risk of early death. 

The recent study reported in Health Day News and WebMD, compared people who ate five servings of fruits and vegetables per day with those who only consumed two servings a day. Researchers found that those who ate five servings had a 13 percent lower risk of early death overall. People in this group also had a 12 percent lower death risk from heart disease, a 10 percent lower risk of cancer death, and a 35 percent lower risk of death from a respiratory disease. Study experts also suggested the optimal balance of servings are two servings of fruits and three servings of veggies each day. 

All Vegetables Are Not Equal

One key takeaway from the study is that not all fruits and vegetables have the same health benefits. Green, leafy veggies and fruits rich in beta carotene and vitamin C were found to be beneficial in lowering early death risks while starchy vegetables like peas and corn did not lower risks. 

Getting the right amount of fruits and vegetables may seem harder to accomplish with a limited group of approved foods. But this group of beneficial fruits and veggies is not as limited as you might think, and starchy vegetables are still fine to have in your diet. People who achieve five servings a day mix up their servings with smoothies, salads, and different cooking methods. You can find plenty of recipes online for every meal of the day that include the fruits and vegetables needed.  

An Apple a Day Does Not Keep Your Healthcare Provider Away

But not for the reasons you might think. Getting the appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables doesn’t keep your provider away if you are trying to stay healthy because your provider is essential to your health and wellness plan. Visiting your provider at least once a year for a wellness exam is as key to avoiding early death as consuming a proper diet. Your provider can detect the “silent symptoms” of heart disease and other deadly conditions. Often these conditions are found early enough at a wellness exam to treat and avoid the risk of early death. 

Been awhile since your last wellness checkup? EliteCare is conveniently open 7 days a week so you can visit us at a time that is best for you. No appointment is necessary, simply drop by the clinic during regular hours and let our receptionist know you are there for a wellness visit. Now, go! Stock up on those yummy fruits and veggies and start living healthier.