Life-saving fruit and vegetable diet need only be three portions – study

New research reveals daily dose of just 375g of fruit, vegetables and beans are sufficient to reduce risk of stroke, heart disease or premature death, and could help low-income consumers

Wolfing down a mountain of fruit and vegetables every day offers no more benefit in staving off death than eating just three to four portions, researchers have found, adding that the findings could have important ramifications for those on low incomes.

The World Health Organisation currently recommends individuals eat at least 400g of fruit, vegetables and legumes - plants such as peas and beans - each day, although recent studies have suggested as much as 800g should be consumed to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and premature death.