They can promote good health for children by strengthening a child’s immune system and help protect against disease.

Intakes of fruit and vegetables in line with what is recommended may reduce the severity of some infectious diseases. Though they will not protect a person against a virus such as COVID-19, recovery from infectious disease is better when consuming fruit and vegetables than with diets low in this food group.

People who eat more fruit and vegetables tend to live longer. Vegetables and fruit can help with gut health, help protect against heart disease and help to reduce the risk for obesity, diabetes and certain cancers.