EXTENSIVE studies in recent years show that eating enough fruit and vegetables can help prevent many major diseases and health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, certain cancers and obesity. Department of Health, therefore, recommend adults have a daily intake of at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables as part of a balanced diet to promote optimal health.
“One serving of fruit*” and “One serving of vegetables^”are approximately equal to:
* It is advisable to consume whole fruit, as compared to whole fruit, pure fruit juice contains less dietary fibre and a much higher sugar content. Besides, pure fruit juice in excess of ¾ glass (180 ml) still only counts as one serving of fruit.
^ Pure vegetable juice contains less dietary fibre and nutrients in content than fresh vegetables. Besides, pure vegetable juice in excess of . glass(180 ml) still only counts as one serving of vegetables.
What are some easy ways to increase fruit and vegetable intake?
Replace candies, chocolate and desserts with fresh fruits.
Use less meat and more vegetables and fruit when cooking soups.
Bring your own lunch box more frequently instead of eating out. Fill your lunch box with at least one serving of vegetables.
When shopping for ingredients, whether for lunch or dinner, buy at least 3 to 4 taels (1 tael is equivalent to about 38 grams) of vegetables for each person.
Gourds such as hairy gourds and eggplants can be filled with meat stuffing.
Cook vegetables that go well with meat. Examples are tomatoes, onions, green and red sweet peppers and mushrooms.
When you visit a buffet restaurant, start with the salad bar first.
Bring along fruit that can be easily peeled or eaten as a healthy snack. Examples are bananas, plums, grapes and pears.
Always keep a good stock of fresh fruit and vegetables at home.
Do not overcook fruit and vegetables to minimise nutrient loss.
Having at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables every day as part of a balanced diet helps promote better health!