5-a-day in the news again. The overview

What is 5 a day anyway?
5 a day is in the news again. Eat 5-a-day is the government evidence based health message that encourages people to eat 5 serves of fruit and vegetables everyday. Last time it was in the news it was "5 is not enough" this time it is "more than 5 is a waste of time".


But why do scientists and health professionals seem to keep changing their minds?  Does the evidence keep changing? Can we ever know if what we are eating is right?

The short answer is: the recent study wasz based on a review of studies that included a total of over 800,000 participants. The mortality rates and causes of death were reviewed after 4.5 - 26 years (depending on the study). The authors concluded that eating more fruit and vegetables reduces early death risk, but the benefit plateaus off after 5 serves a day.

http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g4490/rr/761891

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Why5ADAY.aspx