Eat More Fruit and Vegetables

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What are the health benefits if I eat enough fruit and vegetables?

• You have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases due atheroma ('hardening of the arteries'). For example, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or a stroke.
• You have a lower chance of developing some cancers such as bowel and lung cancer.
• Fruit and vegetables also:
  • contain lots of fibre which help to keep your bowels healthy. Problems such as constipation and diverticular disease are less likely to develop.
  • contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, which are needed to keep you healthy.
  • are naturally low in fat.
  • are filling but are low in calories. So, are ideal to keep your weight in control.

One study showed that, for people of the same age, there were about a quarter less deaths in those who ate lots of fruit and vegetables compared to those who did not. This was mainly due to a reduction from three common causes of death in the UK - heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

How do fruit and vegetables prevent illness?

They are rich in vitamins and minerals which keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called 'anti-oxidants', such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals that get into the body. However, the exact way in which they prevent illness is not fully understood.

• One large fruit such as an apple, pear, banana, orange, or a large slice of melon, or
• Two smaller fruits such as plums, kiwis, satsumas, clementines, etc, or
• One cup of small fruits such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc, or
• Two large tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit, or
• One tablespoon of dried fruit, or
• One glass of fresh fruit juice (150ml), or
• A normal portion of any vegetable (about two tablespoons), or
• One dessert bowl of salad.

• Try some different types which you have not tried before. The variety of tastes and textures may be surprising. Juices, frozen, canned, and dried varieties all count.
• Try adding chopped bananas, apples, or other fruits to breakfast cereals.
• Aim to include at least two different vegetables with most main meals. Do not over-boil vegetables. Steaming, stir-frying, or lightly boiling are best to retain the nutrients.
• Always offer fruit or fruit juice to accompany meals.
• How about cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, dried apricots, or other fruits as part of packed lunches? A banana sandwich is another idea for lunch.
• Fruit is great for snacks. Encourage children to snack with fruit rather than with sweets.

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: July 2006   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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