'Seven-a-day' to replace 'five-a-day'?
New research suggests we should eat seven portions of fruit a day, and warns us off tinned and frozen fruit.
A new study conducted by University College London looked at the eating habits of just over 60,000 men and women between 2001 and 2008, using data collected from the annual National Health Survey.
The results suggest that the five-a-day campaign launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003 might not go far enough. While the research showed that the risk of death (by any cause) was reduced by 36% for participants in the study eating five to seven portions of fruit per day, this was increased to a 42% reduction for those eating seven or more.
Terrible tins, foul freezers
Fresh vegetables or salad were most beneficial in terms of the consumption-mortality ratio, while frozen or canned fruit consumption was apparently associated with increased mortality. The study draws the conclusion that a “robust inverse association exists between fruit and vegetable consumption and mortality, with benefits seen in up to 7+ portions daily.”
Portions of fruit and veg: |
1-3 |
3-5 |
5-7 |
7+ |
Risk of death reduced by: |
14% |
29% |
36% |
42% |
Veg for vitality
In other words, eating more portions of fruit and veg per day reduces your risk of death. A ‘portion’ size was defined by lead researcher Dr Oyinlola Oyebode as being around 80g of fruit or veg, which equates to "one large fruit or a handful of smaller fruit or veg.”
However, the study suggests that eating canned or frozen fruit is associated with a “significantly” higher risk of mortality. The research does, however, concede that the questions asked did not allow for a distinction to be made between those eating frozen fruit and those eating canned, as the latter is more often than not packed in sugary syrups. This raises concerns for those on low incomes who might not be able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables in large quantities.
Will you consider changing your dietary habits in light of this new study? Let us know in the Comments box below.
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