Are Nuts One Of Your 5 A Day? Unlocking The Nutritional Power!

What qualifies as one of your daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, commonly known as the 5-a-day guideline? To meet this guideline, you should consume approximately 80 grams of fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables. It’s important to note that not all vegetables and starchy foods, like potatoes, fall under this category. When opting for canned fruits and vegetables, it’s advisable to select those preserved in natural juice or water, without any additional sugar or salt additives. This ensures that you are getting the most nutritional benefit from your 5-a-day portions.

What foods should you exclude from your 5-a-day? Potatoes, along with yams, cassava, and plantains, do not contribute to your daily fruit and vegetable intake. These items fall under the category of starchy foods nutritionally. When consumed as part of a meal, they typically serve as a replacement for other sources of starch, such as bread, rice, or pasta. Therefore, it’s essential to note that while they provide energy and nutrients, they are not counted toward your 5-a-day goal, which primarily focuses on promoting the consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.