New Study Shows Why Eating 5 Serves of Veggies and 2 Serves of Fruit a Day Is Good for Your Heart and Kidneys!

A recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine has highlighted the powerful health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, particularly for people with high blood pressure. Doctors found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only lowers blood pressure but also improves kidney and heart health. Here's what this means for you and how you can make the most of seasonal produce to boost your wellbeing.

Why Fruits and Vegetables Matter for Blood Pressure and Organ Health

Researchers followed a group of people with hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney disease risk over five years. Those who ate 2-4 cups of fruits and vegetables daily saw significant health improvements compared to those on standard care or other treatments. The study showed that while fruits and veggies were fantastic for lowering blood pressure, they also helped reduce strain on the kidneys and protect the heart-without needing as much medication.

3 Take-Home Messages

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies for Heart and Kidney Health
The study confirmed that fruits and vegetables support the kidneys and lower blood pressure. They do this by reducing the amount of acid in your diet, which takes pressure off the kidneys and supports heart health.

Start with Food, Add Medication Only If Needed
The researchers emphasize that people with high blood pressure should start with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as a "foundational" treatment and then add medication if necessary. This simple dietary shift can reduce the need for higher doses of blood pressure medications.
NB - Do not do this without consulting your doctor first

Buy Seasonal Produce for Freshness and Value
Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables makes it easier to enjoy a variety, adding both flavour and cost savings. Our weekly MarketFresh report is a great way to find out what's in season and get the freshest produce for your health.

Final Thoughts
Aiming for 5 servings of veggies and 2 of fruit every day is a delicious and powerful way to protect your body, keep blood pressure in check, and support long-term health. Try adding a variety of seasonal produce to your diet today, and enjoy the benefits for years to come!

SOURCE Elsevier. "Eating more fruits and vegetables to reduce dietary acid lowers blood pressure and improves kidney and heart health in patients with hypertension." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 August 2024. .