The Magic Number For Daily Fruit And Veggie Servings

It’s possible that your parents were correct about the benefits of eating fruits and veggies. Eating just one apple a day is unlikely to keep the doctor away, and eating just one carrot is unlikely to improve your vision. The right quantity of daily fruit and vegetable servings has been a point of contention for a long time. The proper response, it turns out, may not be the same for everyone.

Recommendations That Are Perplexing

According to CNN Health, research show that consuming up to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day reduces the risk of early death by 42 percent, while the American Heart Association recommends 8 servings per day. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the ideal daily fruit and vegetable intake is determined by a variety of factors. Your age, gender, weight, and even degree of activity all play a role in determining the appropriate amount for you. The USDA has a calculator where you can enter your information and it will figure you how many daily servings of each food category you need. The USDA provides a Choose My Plate portal that has already estimated how many servings of fruits a person should eat on a daily basis based on their age.

How to Include Everything in Your Diet

According to the CNN Health article, a serving size of most fruits and vegetables is 12 C., so eating 4 or more cups of vegetables and fruit per day is recommended. If you follow the USDA’s general guidelines, you’ll be eating an average of 2 cups of vegetables and fruit every day. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the table or counter to make it easier to get your fruits and vegetables. When you’re rushing out the door to work or when the kids are gone to school or play, the fruit is quick to grab. Instead of peanut butter crackers, make a snack out of celery and peanut butter. Toss together a smoothie. Serve meatloaf or sandwiches with salsa or sweet peppers. To get a full serving of fruits and vegetables, drink fruit or vegetable juice.

The Advantages of Consuming Your Daily Fruits and Vegetables

According to the American Heart Association, eating enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet will “help you control your weight and blood pressure.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables on a daily basis may lower the risk of cancer and other diseases. Other calculators are available from the CDC to assist people in eating healthier.