Conventional thinking has always told us that 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day is enough to keep the doctor away.
However, new research by Imperial College London has found that this amount needs to double.
According to an article on the organisation’s website, roughly 7.8 million deaths could be prevented per year from diseases like cardiovascular disease, strokes and cancer.
The article stated that eating 800g of fruit and vegetables per day led to a:
- 24% reduced risk of heart disease
- 33% reduced risk of stroke
- 28% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- 13% reduced risk of total cancer
- 31% reduction in dying prematurely
So how do you work out portion sizes?
One portion is defined as 80g, which is roughly the size of your fist. Here are a few guidelines on how much of certain fruit and veggies makes up 80g, so you don’t have to walk around with a scale:
- A slice of melon
- A banana
- Half a grapefruit or orange
- An apple
- A small bowl of undressed salad
- 5 broccoli florets
This video will help guide you on what constitutes a single portion:
Video courtesy of womanandhome.com
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
