Research: Eating more than 5 portions of fruit and veg a day has 'no health benefits'

Eating more than the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day has no health benefits, say researchers. The diets of 830,000 people were analyzed. Risk of death from all causes was cut by about 5% for each of five 80g (3oz) daily servings of fruit and veg. But extra portions had no effect. Victoria Taylor, of the British Heart Foundation, warned: "This study is another reminder that fruit and vegetables shouldn’t be an afterthought but an essential part of our meals and snacks. “Although our five a day message is well established, worryingly 70% of adults are still not meeting this target. “It may seem like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. "Whether it’s banana with cereal for breakfast, salad in your lunchtime sandwich or swapping biscuits for fruit, there are lots of easy ways we can up our fruit and vegetable intake. “Just remember that every extra portion you eat towards your five a day could help you keep your heart healthy.” Researchers from China and the US found consuming fruit and veg particularly lowered risk of death from heart disease. In April, a study by University College London suggested seven or more portions would prolong lives. But experts said lifestyle changes, such as not smoking or drinking excessively, may have influenced results. Antioxidants in fruit and veg repair damaged cells.