Still life of healthy vegetables, including an eggplant, red onions, lemons, cucumbers, garlic, chickpeas, and herbs. Almost everyone needs to eat more fruits and vegetables. A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health. To get the amount that's recommended, most people need to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they currently eat every day. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts, as part of a healthful diet, are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.