Just as we had gotten used to the formula for healthy eating "5 a Day," researchers at University College London came to a different conclusion. "7 a Day" – so it should be at least 7 servings of fruit and vegetables (one serving is roughly a handful). The results of the study are impressive when you look at the specific numbers: 7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day reduce the risk of death by 42%.
The findings come from an observational study conducted between 2001 and 2008 with 65,226 Britons, in which eating habits were recorded. Factors such as age, BMI, gender, socioeconomic status, cigarette and alcohol consumption were also taken into account. The published result suggests that diet is directly linked to mortality rate. The more fruit and vegetables the participants consumed, the stronger the health-promoting effect seemed to be. So much for the theory.
Less than 10% of adults eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.
However, a study by the Robert Koch Institute shows a different picture of our reality: most people don’t even manage the previously recommended 5 servings. The motto "5 a Day" has already been promoted in many countries around the world to encourage healthy eating. Unfortunately, little has changed to this day – we have to be honest about that.
Practical tips on how to achieve this:
The question is whether, instead of unrealistic (new) standards, one should rather look at how to motivate oneself personally to eat more fruit and vegetables – without getting frustrated and giving up because the recommendation seems out of reach. What the new study also proves is: every little bit of greens is great! 1-3 servings daily reduce the risk of death by about 14%.
Achieve big goals with small steps!
Next time, cut a cucumber into appetizing pieces and put it on your desk. Or: place it casually on the coffee table while watching TV. Bet the healthy snack will be gone afterward? A bit of salad here, a few apple slices there, a dinner with a vegetable side dish – and you’re closer to the goal. Those who then toast their success with a bottle of vabon essentials have an optimal mix of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, mangosteen, aloe vera, acerola, and resveratrol.
In this spirit: To your health!
Sources:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0414/010413-fruit-veg-consumption-death-risk
http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2014/03/03/jech-2013-203500.full http://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Gesundheitsmonitoring/Gesundheitsberichterstattung/GBEDownloadsK/2011_6_Obst_gemuese.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
http://www.5amtag.de
