Health Facts

Fruit

Current statistics contained in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey estimate that the average British adult consumes just 2.8 portions a day of fruit and vegetables compared to an average of 4 in the US and an impressive 9 in Greece.

Numerous studies prove that the vitamins, potassium, folate, fibre and antioxidants found in fruit guard against heart disease, strokes and cancer.

Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day could lead to estimated reductions of up to 20% in overall deaths from chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

It is therefore increasingly worrying that in the UK only 13% of men and 15% of women eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

Read information from the Government's '5 A DAY' campaign >>

Offices

A recent ILO report has placed the UK at the top of the list of wealthy nations who work excessive hours.

An American study, published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal, makes a clear link between long working hours and an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, stress, depression, chronic infections and diabetes.

The study concluded that for those working 12 hours a day, there was a 37% increase in risk of becoming ill compared to those working fewer hours.

Sources: The Times Online and The '5 A DAY' campaign

Here are 5 great reasons to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables A DAY

1. They're packed with vitamins and minerals.

2. They can help you to maintain a healthy weight.

3. They're an excellent source of fibre and antioxidants.

4. They help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

5. They taste delicious and there's so much variety to choose from.

Ripe4offices is an active member of the Government's 5 A DAY campaign.