Fruit and vegetables
ARE YOU GETTING
YOUR 5 A DAY?
The message at the heart of the 5 A Day programme, set up by the government, is to eat at least 5 portions (400g) of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables are key to a healthier lifestyle. Currently, average fruit and vegetable consumption among the population in England is estimated to be less than 3 portions a day.
Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of many serious diseases. The scheme also encourages you to enjoy eating fruit and vegetables.
BUT WHAT IS A PORTION?
1 apple, banana, pear, orange or other similar sized fruit
2 plums or similar sized fruit
½ a grapefruit or avocado
1 slice of large fruit, such as melon or pineapple
3 heaped tablespoons of vegetables (raw, cooked, frozen or tinned)
3 heaped tablespoons of beans and pulses (however much you eat, beans and pulses count as a maximum of one portion a day)
3 heaped tablespoons of fruit salad (fresh or tinned in fruit juice) or stewed fruit
1 heaped tablespoon of dried fruit (such as California Raisins)
1 handful of grapes, cherries or berries
A dessert bowl of salad
A glass (150ml) of fruit juice (however much you drink,
fruit juice counts as a maximum of one portion a day)