Five-a-Day
Eating fruits and vegetables are a key way to a healthier lifestyle. With a vast range of different fruits and vegetables to choose from, you are sure to find something that you enjoy eating.
It is recommended that you have at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - that's five portions altogether, not five portions of fruit and five portions of vegetables too.
Why eat fruit and vegetables?
- They contain vitamins and minerals which supplement a healthy diet, for example vitamin C, folic acid and potassium.
- They can help you maintain a healthy weight by replacing fattening junk food snacks when you feel hungry - this is because most fruits and vegetables are low fat and low calorie.
- They are a source of fibre which helps your digestive system stay healthy.
- They can be full of antioxidants, which help protect you against the damaging effects of free radicals (pollution, etc.)
- They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
- They taste delicious!
So what counts to five-a-day?
Different fruits and vegetables will contain different combinations of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, so it's best to eat a variety of these in different combinations. You can have any combination of fruits and vegetables you like, after all you wouldn't want to get bored eating the same every day!
Here are some examples - each of these counts as one portion of your five-a-day requirement:
- 1 medium apple
- 1 medium banana
- 7 cherry tomatoes
- a delicious smoothie
- a heaped tablespoon of fresh/frozen peas or sweetcorn
- broccoli
Did you know?
Potatoes and other related vegetables like yams and cassavas do not count towards your five-a-day because they are classified as starchy foods.
Related External Links:
- 5 A Day
Find out why you should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day and what counts as a portion on this NHS website packed with information, resources, games and even receipes.