Believe it! Several scientific studies have proven that eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables can help you live longer, with less illness. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) followed more than half a million participants recruited across 10 European countries (the UK is among them) for almost 15 years.

Results showed that people who consume more fruits and vegetables live longer than people who consume less. It was also reported that 3%-5% of deaths could be avoided if there was an increase of 100 grams a day in vegetable consumption. The study also reported that people who consume over 569 grams of fruits and vegetables a day live on average 1/12 longer.

The way we cook vegetables is important too. For example, eating raw vegetables is better than eating them cooked, as uncooked ones are more effective in lowering your chance of getting cancer or suffering from cardiovascular disease.

And how can you increase your fruit and vegetable intake? Avoid alcohol and drink juice instead and make your own colourful salads, combining your favourite fruits and veggies. And if you don’t like raw vegetables, cook them under the grill: the preparation is quick and easy and the result is delicious!