The publication from US trade body PMA reports research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine which found that middle aged men with the highest intake of fruit and vegetables had the lowest total annual medical charges later in life ($11,416) and the lowest charges related specifically to heart disease. In contrast, men with the lowest intake of fruit and vegetables had the highest total annual medical charges ($14,655).
The findings were independent of factors such as obesity, cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking.