10-a-day
Eating 10-a-day could save your life
A new study has revealed that while eating your 5-a-day is good for you, eating 10-a-day is better and could prevent up to 7.8 million premature deaths globally each year.
The study showed that eating 10 portions of fruit and veg a day reduced the risk of heart disease by 24%, stroke by 33% and cardiovascular disease by 28%. There were also significant reductions in risk for cancer and premature death.
With many people struggling to reach their five a day this number could be overwhelming but the good news is it all counts. The results showed eating only two and a half portions a day reduced the risk of disease and premature death, but by a smaller amount.
Fruit and vegetables contain a complex mix of nutrients, antioxidants and compounds which work together to improve our health. The same benefit is not seen by taking supplements.
The study carried out by researchers at Imperial College London and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology pulled together data from 95 studies incorporating approximately two million people.
Shefalee Loth, Nutritionist at Blood Pressure UK says:
‘The relationship between eating fruit and vegetables and health is undoubtable and this study shows the more you eat the greater the benefit. A diet low in fruit and veg is a risk factor for high blood pressure, so increasing your intake will lower your blood pressure and as a result reduce your risk of numerous diseases including heart disease and stroke.’
Find out more
Read more about the research in Behind the Headlines