The long-held theory that consuming five pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day has been labelled a myth by an obesity specialist.

Speaking to Wales Online, researcher Zoe Harcombe said that this concept is a "fairy story" and that it doesn't bring the benefits some professionals suggest.

Harcombe's theory may well interest those in dietitian jobs, particularly as she believes the whole thing was dreamed up during a meeting between grocery companies and the American National Cancer Institute. "That meeting produced this idea that eating five fruit and veg was healthy for you," Harcombe stated.

"But no study had ever been done that showed that if you ate five pieces of fruit and veg that this is going to be the result," she added. In fact, Harcombe went as far as to say that there is "almost no evidence" of any benefits of consuming so much.

"There was a study of half a million people...It published last year that there was almost no discernible difference between those that ate a lot of fruit, almost a kilo, a moderate amount of 250-500g a day, or almost none at all."

Her comments may anger many health professionals, as it has been a long held belief that people who get their five a day are almost definitely healthier than those who don't. Even the NHS has advised on NHS.uk: "Your 5-a-day forms part of a healthy, balanced diet."

In fact, one nutritionist who has already spoken out about Harcombe's thoughts is nutritionist Sue Baic, who stated: "I don't know why she would say this, because there is some really good evidence linking low fruit and veg intake to a lot of deaths worldwide."