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If you have ever lived in the UK, USA or Germany, there is a high chance you know this slogan very well. But what does it exactly mean? Why 5? Is there any truth to this?
The ‘5-a-day’ campaign was introduced in 2003 by the UK Department of Health as the minimum daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Since then, its popularity skyrocketed and it’s now even the basis of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme in the UK. The food guide ‘Balance of Good Health’ also supports this campaign as it fits with the recommendations of 425 g intake of fruits and vegetables per day.
But why do we need fruits and vegetables?
The most eye-opening truth behind this campaign is that most people fail to reach their minimum 5-a-day balanced intake of fruit and vegetables. A 2013 study showed that adults in the USA consume fruit 1.1 times per day and vegetables 1.6 times per day. Not consuming enough fruit and vegetables can result in serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies, digestive issues, disease risks, cardiovascular health problems and weight gain.
There are several beneficial reasons behind this campaign and the first has to do with decreasing risk of diseases, such as diabetes, heart diseases and obesity. The UCL study also reports that eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces a risk of early death by 42%.
Eating enough fruit and vegetables also ensures your body remains healthy and energized throughout the day as they contain a heavy dose of vitamins and minerals.
As most fruit and veggies are quite low in calories, you won’t need to feel guilty for eating a few more than you’re supposed to.
“When it comes to fruit and vegetables, as long as you watch your calorie and sugar intake it is very much the case of the more the merrier” state the NHS.
Your “5 a day” around the world
- The Netherlands – 2 ounces of vegetables and 2 pieces of fruit
- Germany – 3 vegetables (400 g total) and 2 pieces of fruit (250 g total)
- Slovakia – minimum of 400 g fruit and vegetables
- Austria – 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, or ≥400 g
- Finland – 400 g fruit and vegetables, revised to 500 g from the 23rd Jan 2014
- Ireland – 5-7 servings of fruit and vegetables
- Brazil – 3 portions of fruit, 3 of vegetables/legumes, and 1 of beans
- Australia – 5-6 x 75 g servings of vegetables, 2 x 150 g fruit
Information found on this useful blog post “5 a day all over the world” by Chris Peters on Sense About Science.
How many fruit and vegetables do YOU eat in a day?