Vocal Voices

This is the new mantra from experts at Imperial College London.

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.

In my mind that will be filed in the same receptacle (known as file13), as 5 a day.

If we reduced stress by 75% it would reduce the rate of heart attacks significantly. However modern life only increases stress.

So, eat 10 a day, watch junk on the TV instead of getting out and die young of over stress at work.

Simple! File13.

Suff, you might file in F13, as will I, but ever so many will not, and that is what these 'experts' rely on.

They, and the press reporting it, are creating a scare issue when none exists.

There will be a surge in sales of diarrhea pills.