WORDS: JENNIFER BOZON. IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Eating 800g or 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day may reduce your risk of life-threatening diseases, according to a new study by Imperial College London. The study found that, while five portions of fruit and vegetables a day may help to reduce the risks of disease and premature death, 10 portions a day would be more beneficial.
Researchers pooled data on 95 separate studies, involving approximately two million people’s eating habits. They found that, compared to eating no fruit or vegetables a day, consuming two and- a-half portions (200g) may cut the risk of cardiovascular disease by 13%, cancer by 4% and premature death by 15%. By increasing this daily intake to 800g, the risk of cardiovascular disease was cut to 28%, cancer to 13% and premature death to 31%.