Scientists have long known about the various benefits fruits and vegetables have on our health. However, new research, led by scientists from Imperial College London, shows that eating 800 grams a day (roughly equivalent to ten fruits or vegetables), may prevent the risk of premature death. 

If people ate ten fruits or vegetables a day, as much as approximately 7.8 million premature deaths worldwide could be prevented every year. The same amount of fruits and vegetables was also associated with reduced cholesterol levels and blood pressure. According to the study, some fruits and vegetables may even reduce DNA damage, and lead to a reduction in cancer risk.

The results revealed further benefits with higher intake, and the greatest benefit came from eating 800 grams a day. In comparison to not having any vegetables at all, even a daily intake of 200 grams was associated with a 13 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. A daily intake of 800 grams would reduce the risk by 28 percent.

We still don’t know if intakes greater than 800 grams a day would further reduce the risks. Professor Stig Bengmark, and many other scientists, recommend a daily intake of 2 kilograms of vegetables, since vegetables contain everything that your intestinal bacteria need in order to create a healthy gut flora, prevent inflammation and strengthen your immune system. We’re eager to see what future studies will reveal about the potential benefits from eating even more than 800 grams of fruits and vegetables a day.

PS. The Swedish National Food Administration recommends an intake of 500 grams a day, a target far from all are able to reach.

The study: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_22-2-2017-16-38-0

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