A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked with a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Here are five of the most important:

1. Reduced risk of heart disease: A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 60 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who ate the least. The study followed more than 43,000 people for an average of seven years.

2. Reduced risk of stroke: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is also linked with a reduced risk of stroke. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 36 percent lower risk of stroke than those who ate the least. The study followed more than 39,000 people for an average of seven years.

3. Reduced risk of cancer: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is also linked with a reduced risk of cancer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 31 percent lower risk of cancer than those who ate the least. The study followed more than 20,000 people for an average of about seven years.

4. Reduced risk of obesity: A diet high in fruits and vegetables is also linked with a reduced risk of obesity. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 32 percent lower risk of obesity than those who ate the least. The study followed more than 20,000 people for an average of about seven years.

5. Increased lifespan: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is also linked with an increased lifespan. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 20 percent longer lifespan than those who ate the least. The study followed more than 250,000 people for an average of about 19 years.

For more information on the health benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.