Eating fruits and vegetables ‘can have a major impact on premature deaths’

Encouraging people to consume fruits and vegetables more regularly could result in a significant global reduction in rates of premature death.

This is according to a new study from Imperial College London, which carried out a meta-analysis of all available research in populations worldwide, incorporating 95 studies on fruit and vegetable intake.

It found that the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day was effective in reducing people's disease risk, but that the greatest benefit came from eating 800 g a day – roughly equivalent to ten portions.

If people ate this quantity of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, it is estimated that approximately 7.8 million premature deaths worldwide could potentially be prevented every year.

However, even a daily intake of 200 g was associated with a 16 percent reduced risk of heart disease, as well as an 18 percent reduced risk of stroke and a 13 percent lesser risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr Dagfinn Aune, lead author of the research from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: "It is clear from this work that a high intake of fruit and vegetables holds tremendous health benefits, and we should try to increase their intake in our diet."

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