The European study says the daily recommended amount is 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables isn't enough.
The research finds 8-a-day will cut the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke by nearly a 1/4.
"Fruit and veggies in general are full of plant chemicals or phytochemicals and these phytochemicals work together to protect our cells from disease," says Maxine Smith, Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietitian. But Smith says 1 in 3 Americans aren't even eating 5 servings a day.
The way to eat more is to starting when you wake up and keep the fruits and vegetables where you can see them.
"If we keep them in our crisper trays down in the bottom of the fridge they may be moldy before we ever remember that they are there. So bring them up eye level in your fridge. Keep fresh fruits out on your counter so we remember that they are there," says Smith.
She also says planning is the best way to eating healthier.
Make a grocery list. Add fruits and vegetables, take junk food off. Plus, get creative with the how you prepare the fruit and veggies and before you know it you've eaten 8 servings if not more servings. One thing that isn't addressed in the study is exactly how fruits and veggies protect our bodies. Smith says it could be because they have a lot of anti-oxidants and anti-imflammatories.
WKYC-TV