More Fruits and Veggies Could Prevent Millions of Cardiovascular Deaths

Mounting research affirms the crucial role proper diet and nutrition play in preventing the most common causes of death

Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock

Low fruit and vegetable intake may be a major factor in heart disease deaths. Findings from a 2019 study found low fruit intake translated to almost 1.8 million cardiovascular deaths in 2010 while low vegetable consumption resulted in 1 million deaths. The cardiovascular impact of low fruit and vegetable consumption were most acute in countries with the lowest average consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Let’s have a closer look at the different factors that drive these findings—and how you can optimize your fruit and veggie intake for a healthy, thriving heart.

Eating More Vegetables May Prevent 82,000 US Deaths

Roughly 1 in 7 deaths from heart disease and strokes could be attributed to inadequate fruit consumption, while 1 in 12 deaths from the same diseases may be rooted in not eating enough vegetables, according to findings presented at Nutrition 2019, the American Society for Nutrition annual meeting, in Baltimore.