Consuming 10 portions a day saw a 33% lower risk of stroke, 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease and a 13% reduction in the risk of cancer.
It also meant a 31% reduction in the risk of premature death.
The headline figures are frightening, and intended to be so, but they are misleading and should be taken with a tablespoon of salt on an inch thick dripping sandwich.
There is a big difference between 'rate' and 'risk'. If the rate of stroke is three in a hundred then a 33% reduction drops it to two in a hundred. Put another way, is a rise from two in a hundred to three such a big deal?
Another thing I ask is when in our history have we ever eaten ten portions of fruit and veg? I cannot think of one, so what is the basis for the claims of these experts.
And at what age does a 'premature death' occur? I know that we can be born prematurely, but to die? OK being run over by a bus is premature, but eating ten potions of fruit and veg would not prevent it.
