People who eat more fruits and vegetables—up to about 10 servings a day—are much less likely to develop heart disease, with the biggest drop in risk coming from adding even a few servings to their diet.

Scientific Claim

Higher intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease per 200 g/day increase, with the greatest benefit observed up to 800 g/day, reinforcing the role of plant-based diets in heart health.

Original Statement

“For fruits and vegetables combined, the summary RR per 200 g/day was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90–0.95, I2 = 31%, n = 13) for cardiovascular disease... Reductions in risk were observed up to 800 g/day for all outcomes except cancer (600 g/day).”

From study:Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim uses 'associated with' and reflects the observed relative risk reduction from observational data, correctly avoiding causal language.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

Eating more fruits and veggies — up to about 800 grams a day — lowers your risk of heart disease, and this big study of many people confirms that the more you eat (up to that point), the better your heart health.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Score: 43

DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw319

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