Why eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day?
Fruit and vegetables are part of a healthy and balanced diet helping you stay healthy, but it is important that you eat enough of them.
Evidence shows there are significant health benefits to getting at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. To make it simple, that is five portions of fruit and vegetables in total per day and not five portions of each. The World Health Organisation recommends that a portion of fruit or vegetables is 80g and eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as strokes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
Fruit and vegetables are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, vitamin C and folate. They are an excellent source of dietary fibre, helping to maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation as well as other digestion problems. A high fibre diet can also reduce the risks of bowel cancer.
Depending on their preparation, fruit and vegetables are low in fat and calories helping to maintain a healthy weight and keeping your body healthy.
To get the most out of your five a day, your five portions should include a variety of fruit and vegetables as different fruits and vegetables contain different combinations of nutrients, vitamins and fibre. All fruit and vegetables count towards your five a day. They can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced but vegetables, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes do not count because they contribute starch to the diet.