WHO Launches Global Fruit-And-Vegetable Campaign

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Mon Nov 10, 2:00 PM ET

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Following the maxim "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," the World Health Organization ( news - web sites) launched a global campaign on Monday to boost the consumption of fruit and vegetables to save lives.

Pekka Puska, director of the WHO's division for noncommunicable disease prevention and control, told Reuters in Rio de Janeiro, where the initiative was launched, that a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet could save as many as 2.7 million lives annually around the world.

WHO and the United Nations (news - web sites)' Food and Agriculture Organization ( news - web sites) will jointly work out a program to promote such a diet to prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

Puska said that, apart from the nutritional benefits, the drive should boost the agriculture of countries that grow fruit

"Brazil is a great example -- the country is very important because of the climate and potential to produce fruit and vegetables," Puska said of Latin America's largest country.

WHO estimates show that low consumption of fruit and vegetables is responsible for 31 percent of heart disease, at least 19 percent of gastrointestinal cancer and 11 percent of strokes.

A WHO/FAO document also said a minimum daily consumption of 400 grams (14.1 oz) of fruit and vegetables helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

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