According to a recent study by a team of Brazilian researchers, there may be another reason why it’s always a good idea to eat lots of fruits and vegetables: they help to alleviate inflammation after abdominal cosmetic surgery.

Low-grade inflammation is normal after abdominal surgeries such as tummy tucks and liposuction, but has a negative overall effect on the patient’s metabolism and cardiovascular prognosis. There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a plasma protein that rises in the blood when the body is suffering from inflammation disorders. Elevated CRP is a standard test in medicine that can measure the extent of inflammation in a person’s body.

For the study, which was published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria, sixty women between the ages of 25 and 60, and with body mass indices (BMI) of 30 or over, were selected. One group was asked to consume six servings each of fruits and vegetables during the first postoperative month, while a control group continued on their regular diets. To make sure that the women stayed on their diets, researchers gave them easy and convenient recipes, and checked up on them.

Almost all patients completed the study and kept to the diet. The study revealed that CRP decreased significantly in the treated group, and that increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with lessened inflammation. The authors say that more research is necessary to learn more about longer-term effects and benefits.

For those who are anticipating or recovering from abdominal surgery, a diet high in fruits and vegetables may be one delicious lifestyle change that will reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and bolster their bodies with vitamins and antioxidants.