Many nutritionists recommend that people eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables can add vitamins and minerals in a diet. Ten portions daily of fruits and veggies are needed for health, as a study shows.

Eating fruits and vegetables can help in reducing the chances of major diseases. Studies have already shown that fruits and vegetables can minimize the risk of heart attack, stroke and even cancer. A study has now come that says even five portions daily of fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce major diseases risks.

However, the study has found that the optimal daily intake of fruits and vegetables should be ten portions. That would mean eating 800 grams of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. The study has looked into the cases of 2 million people. That included about 47,000 cases of stroke and 81,000 cases of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Dagfinn Aune is the lead author from the Imperial College London. He has said that the study has been made to find out how much fruits and vegetables are needed for a healthy lifestyle. The study has also looked into what types of fruits and vegetables should be eaten.

As little as 200 grams daily of fruits and vegetables is enough to reduce heart disease by 16 percent, according to the Imperial College London's site. That would be equivalent to two and a half portions. That amount could cut the risk of premature death by 15 percent.

Higher intakes mean better chances of cutting risks, as Science Daily reports. With higher intakes, heart risks were cut by 24 percent. Stroke risk has been reduced by 33 percent. Premature death has been reduced by 31 percent.

Overall, the benefits of a higher intake of fruits and vegetables cannot be denied. Better health is gained with more fruits and vegetables in the diet. Ten portions of fruits and veggies is needed for health. Recently Ready Pac Foods has recalled prepared salad because of possible contamination.