How Many Fruits and Vegetables Should You Eat Each Day
We always hear about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables. What benefit do they really bring to our body? If we never eat a fruit or vegetable again, will it have a significant impact on our overall health? Or are there other ways to get the nutrients we need without much effort?
Simply put, fruits and vegetables help our bodies function. The vitamins and minerals they provide are essential to making sure that we can experience life without suffering from a weak immune system or bone health issues.
Something as common as protein, found in beans and legumes, helps repair body tissues and build strong muscles. Vitamin A, which is found in green leafy vegetables and orange vegetables, contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It also supports skin health. Found in a variety of fruits, especially citrus fruits, vitamin C helps fight free radicals and plays a role in the development of healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.
It goes without saying that without enough fruits and vegetables throughout the day, you are likely to be dealing with many preventable health issues.
How many fruits and vegetables are enough to stay healthy
Numbers may vary by country, age and gender. In Canada, one serving of vegetables (raw, fresh, or frozen) equals 1/2 to 1 cup. For fruit, one serving is a medium-sized fruit (the size of your fist) or ½ cup (fresh, frozen, or canned).
The consensus seems to be that to maintain a healthy and varied daily diet, it is necessary to eat at least 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. While this may seem like a lot to include in your diet, there are also easy ways to add it without making your meals bulky. This can be done with daily smoothies that incorporate a variety of fruits into a delicious snack in the morning or on the go.
If you're trying to make your diet more nutrient-dense to keep your body healthy in the long term, consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals if you haven't met the recommended daily servings. For those who lead busy lifestyles and don't have enough time to prepare meals with enough fruits and vegetables, consider adding a plant-based protein shake or green smoothie to your morning routine or on your commute. Staying healthy isn't that hard when you have the right products to go about your day!
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