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The team found that although even the recommended five portions of fruit and a day reduced disease risk, the greatest benefit came from eating 800g a day (roughly equivalent to ten portions - one portion of fruit or vegetables if defined as 80g).

The study, which was a meta-analysis of all available research in populations worldwide, included up to 2 million people, and assessed up to 43,000 cases of , 47,000 cases of stroke, 81,000 cases of cardiovascular disease, 112,000 cancer cases and 94,000 deaths.




The results revealed that even a daily intake of 200g was associated with a 16 per cent of heart disease, an 18 per cent reduced risk of stroke, and a 13 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.







They found the following fruits and vegetables may help prevent heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and : apples and pears, citrus fruits, salads and such as spinach, lettuce and chicory, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. They also found the following may reduce cancer risk: , such as spinach or green beans, yellow vegetables, such as peppers and carrots, and cruciferous vegetables.



He added that compounds called glucosinolates in , such as broccoli, activate enzymes that may help prevent cancer. Furthermore fruit and vegetables may also have a beneficial effect on the naturally-occurring bacteria in our gut.



Dr Aune added: "We need further research into the effects of specific types of fruits and vegetables and preparation methods of fruit and vegetables. We also need more research on the relationship between fruit and with causes of death other than cancer and . However, it is clear from this work that a high intake of and vegetables hold tremendous health benefits, and we should try to increase their intake in our diet."

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Citation: Up to 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day may prevent 7.8 million premature deaths (2017, February 22) retrieved 27 February 2020 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-02-portions-fruit-vegetables-day-million.html

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