Eating more than five portions of fruit and veg a day could help save lives, a new study has claimed.
Research published in The Lancet showed that consuming more than the recommended levels could significantly cut the risk of strokes.
People eating three to five portions cut the risk by 11 per cent compared with those eating less, whereas those eating more than five cut the risk by 26 per cent.
The study has been picked up by the national media and was on the front page of at least one tabloid newspaper, giving widespread exposure to the sector.
The research was carried out by the University of London and studied the data from more than 250,000 people
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of disability in most developed countries. More than 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year, with the affliction killing an estimated 67,000 people.
The researchers pooled data from eight studies from Europe, Japan and the US.
The project also revealed a diet including lots of fruit and vegetables was likely to further reduce the risk of other forms of cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.
Professor Graham MacGregor, who worked on the study, said: "It is a very important finding because it really shows that the quantity of fruit and vegetables you should be eating is more than five a day."
Potassium content in fruit and veg may prove to be the key, researchers believe.
MacGregor said: "We know that if you give people additional potassium it lowers blood pressure. By increasing to five servings a day from three you would increase your potassium intake by about 50 per cent."
Dr Feng He, who led the study, added: “The average fruit and vegetable intake in most developed countries is three servings per day and current recommendations encourage five or more.
“Our results provide strong support for these recommendations. If these goals were achieved, stroke morbidity and mortality would be greatly reduced.”
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