Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can make a big difference to your health. We can reduce our chances of developing heart diseases by eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables. There is mounting evidence that people who eat lots of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop chronic diseases.

Why are they good for you?

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

• You have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases due to 'hardening of the arteries' (atheroma). 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.
• You have lower chance of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Fruit and vegetables also:

• Contain lots of fibre which helps 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, they are ideal to keep your weight in control.

The 5 A DAY message highlights the health benefits of getting five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables every day. That's five portions of fruit and veg in total, not five portions of each. 5 A DAY is based on advice from the World Health Organization, which recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Five reasons to eat five portions of fruit and veg

• Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C and potassium.
• They're an excellent source of dietary fibre, which helps maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation and other digestion problems. A diet high in fibre can also reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
• They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
• Fruit and vegetables contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.
• Fruit and vegetables taste delicious and there's so much variety to choose from.