People who eat more fruits and veggies also tend to exercise more, not smoke, and eat healthier overall — so it’s hard to say if the fruits and veggies themselves are the reason they live longer.
Scientific Claim
The observed association between fruit and vegetable consumption and lower mortality may be influenced by residual confounding from other healthy lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, smoking, and overall diet quality.
Original Statement
“Because all included studies were observational in nature, the results could be subject to residual or unmeasured confounding... The inverse association... could be related to a generally more healthy diet and lifestyle.”
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 directly reflects the study’s own limitations section, using appropriate language to describe potential confounding without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Eating more fruits and veggies is linked to living longer, but this might be because people who eat healthy foods also tend to exercise, not smoke, and live healthier lives overall — so it’s not clear if the fruits and veggies themselves are the reason.