HOW OFTEN DO YOU EAT FRUIT & VEGETABLES?

How often do you eat fruit and vegetables? 

On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself!

If your score is 10/10, then I wholeheartedly render a very big kudos to you. 

If your score is between 5 to 9, then you have done so well. 

If you score beneath 5, then you definietely need to wake up from your slumber right away. 

Yes, this serves as a clarion call to us all!!! 

It is still not late for you to start acknowledging the fact that fruit and vegetables are your best friends! Yes, you heard me right! 

There are countless types of fruit and vegetables all over the world. Infact, we are so blessed with these nature's gifts that non of us will deny not having access to any of them. Permit me to quickly highlight that the essential nutrients found in fruit and vegetables are so useful for the well-being and healthy maintenance of our bodies. 

The benefits of fruit consumption on a daily basis has remained an important topic that continues to be neglected. It is quite disheartening that despite the increasing awareness on this important aspect of life, yet many of us remain nonchalant about it. 

The truth is that we cannot do away with fruit and vegetables! 

Yes, fruit and vegetables remain the essential constituents of a healthy diet. Infact, World Health Organisation (2014) reports that an estimate of 6.7 million deaths recorded all over the world in 2010 were as a result of insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables. The statistical findings of Public Health England in 2014 reveal that majority of the UK population continues to consume less fruit and vegetables unlike sugar and saturated fat. The survey showed that only 35% of older adults, 27% of adults, and 8% of 11 to 18 year-olds consume the highly recommended ‘5 A Day’ fruit and vegetables. 

5-A-Day connotes a series of programs introduced in countries like  USA & Europe to encourage the daily consumption of at least five portions of fruit & vegetables, following a World Health Organisation recommendation. According to researchers, diet very rich in fruit and vegetables is highly recommended for every individual as it aids in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke and some kinds of cancer (Farhadi et al., 2014). 

Even though it is widely accepted that eating adequate amount of fruit and vegetables (FVs) greatly lowers the risk of developing  diseases, it is presently observed that many adults pay less attention to the health benefits of FVs far  below the Department of Health’s recommended  five portions a day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that every adult consume at least 400 g of Fruits & Veggies a day however this excludes potatoes and other starchy tubers (Ungar et., al. (2013).  5 A DAY programme aims to facilitate and enlighten people on the importance of daily intake of Fruits & Vegetables however, very little has been  known on how well this strategy has been widely adopted by adults.

Fruit and vegetables (FVs) consumption is an indispensable route to good health and long life because FVs are excellent sources of minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre and phytochemicals (Kpodo et al., 2015). Increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables is portrayed as part of a healthy diet that is required for reducing both personal and social health costs. Despite the awareness on the health benefits of fruit and vegetables (FVs) consumption, studies reveal that consumption is low and consumer behaviour plays a pertinent role in this effect (Zitkus and Puskoriute, 2013; Hall et al., 2009).

Fruit and vegetables are low in fat and calories especially when not roasted or fried in oil thus consuming them aids  an individual to maintain a healthy weight. Fruit and vegetables are a rich source of  minerals, vitamins, potassium, folate and fibre which aids to maintain a healthy gut thereby  preventing constipation, bowel cancer and food indigestion.

According to NHS UK, fruit and vegetables form part of a balanced diet which tend to help human beings remain healthy hence highly recommended to get adequate amount of them. The 5 A DAY message supports the health benefits of obtaining  five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables each day which is simply  five portions of fruit and vegetables in total and not necessarily five portions of each a day.

It is noteworthy that fruit & vegetables can be consumed in many ways such as smoothies, juices or in cuisines. So, Simply Grab & Enjoy Your Own Fruit & Veggies for A Healthier YOU!!!

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