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Why Eat 5 Fruit & Veg a Day?

5 fruit & veg a day – who says?
Well only just about every dietician, nutritionist, health professional and government in the world! The World Health Organisation recommends 5-10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day – one portion meaning approximately one handful.

Why should I?
There is lots of evidence showing that higher consumption of fruit and veg is linked to lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Studies show that increasing fruit/veg intake from 2 to about 5 portions per day halves the relative risk for lung cancer. The vast majority of experts across the world agree that increasing consumption of fruit and veg reduces risk of disease, and there are no adverse effects linked to increasing fruit/veg consumption.

Your fruit/veg “dose” is important… you need to consume a minimum of 5 portions every day to ensure good health. Remember that when you hear the recommendation “eat 5 servings of fruit or vegetables every day” this is a minimum recommendation… 5 pieces is not the target, it is the minimum that your body needs for long term health.

And?
You still need convincing?! Ok, there’s more… It is likely that fruit and vegetable consumption protects against a number of different kinds of cancer. According to a recent review on fruit, vegetables and cancer carried out by the World Health Organisation, eating more fruit probably lowers the risk of cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and lung, and possibly reduces the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, colon-rectum, larynx, kidney, and bladder.
Increasing consumption of vegetables probably lowers the risk of cancers of the oesophagus and colon-rectum and possibly reduces the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, stomach, larynx, lung, ovary and kidney.

One last reason to get at least 5 fruit and veg a day – eat that many fresh fruit and veg and you’re less likely to eat less healthy food like processed meals for one and sweet snacks.

5 fruit and veg a day – can’t fault it!

Links and contact details

Name: British Nutrition Foundation
Web: http://www.nutrition.org.uk/home.asp?siteId=43&sectionId=s
Email: postbox@nutrition.org.uk
Tel: 020 7404 6504
Info: The British Nutrition Foundation is a registered charity and works to promote scientifically based knowledge and advice on the relationship between diet, physical activity and health.

Name: BBC – Nutrition Info Pages
Web: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/

Name: beat – Eating Disorders Association
Web: http://www.b-eat.co.uk
Tel: 08456 347650 (Youthline)
TXT: 07786 20 18 20 (Youthline)
Tel: 08456 341414 (Over 18s Helpline)
Email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk (Youthline Email)
Email: help@b-eat.co.uk (Over 18s Helpline Email)
Info: beat is the leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families. beat is the working name of the Eating Disorders Association (EDA).

Name: Weight Concern
Web: http://www.weightconcern.com/
Email: enquiries@weightconcern.org.uk
Tel: 020 7679 1853
Info: Weight Concern is a charity that works to address both the physical and psychological health needs of overweight people.

Name: Weight Wise
Web: www.bdaweightwise.com
Email: info@bda.uk.com

Info: The Weightwise website has been developed for, and is managed by, the British Dietetic Association (BDA), the organisation that represents registered dietitians in the UK.

Name: British Heart Foundation
Web: www.bhf.org.uk
Email: internet@bhf.org.uk
Tel: 020 7554 0000
Info: The British Heart Foundation is a UK voluntary organisation that funds medical research and provides information, advice and support for heart patients.

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Email:
Tel: 0845 4647
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day.

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