5 a Day

Health Benefits of 5 a Day

Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

It has been estimated that eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day could reduce the risk of deaths from chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer by up to 20%.

As well as the direct health benefits, eating fruit and vegetables can help to achieve other dietary goals including increasing fibre intake, reducing fat intake, help maintain a healthy weight, and substituting for foods with added sugars (as frequent consumption of foods with added sugars can contribute to tooth decay).

A recent study found that each increase of 1 portion of fruit and vegetables a day lowered the risk of coronary heart disease by 4% and the risk of stroke by 6%. Evidence also suggests an increase in fruit and vegetable intake can help lower blood pressure.

The message at the heart of the 5 A DAY programme - to eat at least 5 portions (400g) of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day - is consistent with dietary recommendations around the world, including those from the World Health Organisation.

(this information is reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence - more information on 5 A Day is available from the Department of Health website - http://www.5aday.nhs.uk/)