Do we really need 5 portions of fruit and veg a day?

Question

I mean, I eat fruit and veg once in a while, but not everyday, let alone eating it 5 times a day, and I'm perfectly healthy. I just eat in moderation, and I'm in better shape than some that supposedly eat healthily.

I have this bizarre theory that you only need fruit and veg, perhaps a couple of times a week. Actually, if you take vitamin pills, you don't needto eat them at all, so long as you get some fibre from somewhere.

Think about it, 5 portions - that's a lot. How do you cram in your protein and your fats? It's no wonder why so many people are overweight.

Some have got the impression that I'm unhealthy and look old. This is not true as I, in fact, look quite young. I'm also in pretty good shape. I recently did 956 press-ups in one hour for charity.

And this is the thing, noone here has mentioned exercise yet. Believe it or not, but you can eat as much pizza and fried chicken as you want, and as long as you burn it off through exercise, you'll be fine.

Fruit and veg are a great way to get vitamins, minerals and fibre into your body. However, they aren't the only way. All bran and centrum would do the job just as well.

There are some people that are constantly dieting and eating healthilly, but seem never to lose weight, not even after several years. This is all down to exercise, and not getting enough of it.

Basically, the answer is it helps if you eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, but as long as you're getting your vitamins, minerals and fibre from somewhere and are exercising often, it doesn't matter.

Answer 1

The number and size of recommended portions vary from one country to another.
What every nutritionist in the world agrees on is that, for a long-term healthy body and resistance to a wide assortment of illnesses, humans need to consume protein, carbohydrates, some fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Fruit and vegetables provide the last three. Few other foods do.

Answer 2

I believe that 5 portions is the average amount for the average person. But what is the definition of an 'average' person. For example, I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is made much worse by eating lots of fibre. Hence, I may only eat 1 or 2 portions a day, as if I eat 5 portions, I would suffer from too much abdominal pain.

I recommend eating the amount of veg and fruit that will keep you healthy, whatever that amount is.

Answer 3

Hey, it's not that hard to eat 5 a day. If you have salad at lunchtime (even in a sandwich) that's at least one portion, fruit and/or juice through the day then veg with your evening meal. Even things like apple crumble, baked beans and soup count. Anyway, as you know, it won't kill you if you don't eat these every day, just as many as you can. Also, unless your vitamins are good quality, ie not a supermarket's own make, they aren't worth taking. Bet that's given you food for thought!

Answer 4

portions are small, so it isn't that much fruit. Fruit and veggies can help prevent major diseases, not just the common cold.

To say you are more healthy than some healthy eaters because you eat in moderation is redundant, because part of healthy eating is eating in moderation. But, eat fruit a couple times a week is not moderation, it is eating occasionally. 4 servings a day is moderation.

Answer 5

i don't think of manufacturers are continuously honest/precise. each and every each and every now and then a %. of mixed fruit claims to be properly worth 3 parts whilst there are 3 culmination even however there are purely small quantities of each and every. confident, i might say a 200g %. of pineapple is one element. i might say that a medium sized carrot may be a element, yet i don't understand how that compares to 200g. 2 tangerines make a element, as does a million kiwi. One banana or 2 small ones make a element, and one apple, yet whilst funsize, you will possibly want 2. you desire 8 cherry tomatoes and for vegetables, a huge spoonful. A small glass of fruit juice counts, as long because it is not too processed.

Answer 6

Please don't ask a question and then give some negative excuse
why valid data does not apply to you.

Hey all young people can say "I eat blah blah and I am in great health". check em out at age 40!
What happened?
your body needs certain nourishments
met by numerous trace minerals-supplements-carbo's-fats-vita's
and exercise- proper dental-eye-medical care and lifestyle,
seen 40 year olds look like 60 and 60 look like age 40.
health starts at birth and stops at death.

take care of yout body--not many spare parts out there for you.

BE WISE-STAY ALIVE.

Answer 7

I dunno, for me I eat probably more than five portions. but that's me and i'm weird. fruit and veg kinda detoxes the body. they have to say eat five portions because they know the majority of people don't but try to reach it. if they said eat four people wouldn't eat four but less. the french are healthy and the government say eat ten portion a day.
But I agree with you a lot of people i know don't eat the five a day and apear to be perfectly healthy

Answer 8

5 portions is right... of course it means that must eat vegetable not full of butter or everything and for fruit is the same... it is JUST a natural fruit with no sugar etc...
it isn't fruit or vegetable that meke you fatter but everything else you put on them...