4. Edible plants

• Fruits are composed of mostly water, contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and contain phytochemicals.
• Fruits are an important source of energy, protein, and fat, and are a good source of vitamin C.
• The World Cancer Research Fund recommends 400g/day of fruit and vegetables for adults, with a rough guide of 1 serving size being the amount that fits into the palm of your hand.
• However, dried fruit does not count towards the 5 servings, beans and potatoes do not count, and juices and smoothies count as 1 of your 5 servings.
• In 2017, 29% of adults were eating the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Women were more likely to do so than men.
• Consumption of fruit and vegetables varied with age, with young people aged 16 to 24 consuming on average the lowest number of portions of fruit and vegetables, 3.3 a day.
• The majority of children in the United States consume fewer than 3 portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
• There are many barriers to achieving 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, including perceived barriers.
• Strategies to combat these barriers may include developing a plan to eat more fruit and vegetables, or providing more information about the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.

Learn about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, recommended daily intake, and challenges associated with meeting the recommended servings. Explore strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.