Hendrik Live!

Major illnesses including heart disease, certain cancers and the prevalence of strokes could be drastically reduced if we just eat more fruit and vegetables.

Research suggests that the daily increased consumption of fruit and vegetables could reduce the burden of heart disease by 31%, certain cancers by between 12% and 20% and strokes by up to 19%.

'Eat vegetables and fruit for better health' is the key message of health practitioners and nutritionists who seek to educate people of the major health benefits of adopting a diet that includes at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables.

It's recommended that this be supported by drinking lots of clean and safe water, at least 8 glasses a day, eating and using fats and salt sparingly and adopting an active, healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise.

It is a well-documented fact that people who eats a diet high in vegetables and fruit are less likely to suffer from a wide range of illnesses and enjoy overall improved health. Low fruit and vegetable consumption contributes to micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficiency, which increases the risk of mortality and morbidity.

It is probably not surprising then that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified low fruit and vegetable intake as one of the top 10 risk factors contributing to mortality.

Fruit and vegetables:

* provide vitamins and minerals (for proper body functioning)

* provide dietary fiber (important for normal bowel functioning)

* are a great source of vitamin A (helps protect against disease)

* contain powerful photochemical (powerhouses of vital nutrients).

People are encouraged to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, a concept that has been endorsed by the WHO.