Need a reason to visit a nearby farmer's market or roadside produce stand? If great prices and extremely fresh fruits and vegetables don't tempt you, then the heart-healthy benefits might. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the more fruits and vegetables you consume, the lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

Using data from a national nutritional survey, researchers examined the reported food intake of over 9,000 25- to 74-year-olds. They discovered that people who consumed three or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily had a 27% lower risk of stroke and a 42% lower risk of dying from a stroke, compared to people who consumed one or fewer servings of produce daily. In addition people who ate three or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day also had a 27% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Summer's bounty makes it easier to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. The fruits and vegetables available in grocery stores and at produce stands and farmer's markets vary widely based on the time of year and local crops. Try new varieties of produce, find great deals from local growers and discuss preparation and recipes with the selling farmers. Finally, stash a cooler in your car for keeping produce fresh and cool on the way home.

Related information: Food choices | Vegetarianism

Sources:  Bazzano LA, He J, Ogden LG, Loria CM, Vupputuri S, Myers L, Whelton PK. Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of cardiovascular disease in US adults: the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002 Jul;76(1):93-9.