What are the health benefits if I eat enough fruit and vegetables?
• You have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases due atheroma (‘hardening of the arteries’). 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. • Fruit and vegetables also: • contain lots of fibre which help 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, are ideal to keep your weight in control. One study showed that, for people of the same age, there were about a quarter less deaths in those who ate lots of fruit and vegetables compared to those who did not. This was mainly due to a reduction from three common causes of death in the UK – heart disease, stroke, and cancer. How do fruit and vegetables prevent illness? They are rich in vitamins and minerals w
