HOW IMPORTANT FRUIT & VEGETABLES

Fruit and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet, and their sufficient daily consumption could help prevent major diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Low fruit and vegetable intake is a key risk factor for several noncommunicable diseases. In the context of an healthy diet, when taken together will strengthen and protect health. They are low in chalories and fat , countain a number of vitamins and other antioxidants that prevent cellular damage and aid in a number of cellular processes.

Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption will lead to reduced risk of chronic diseases. Overall, it is estimated that up to 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved each year if fruit and vegetable consumption were sufficiently increased.

WHO/FAO recommends intake goal the consumption of a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables per day (excluding potatoes and other starchy tubers) for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, as well as for the prevention and alleviation of several micronutrient deficiencies, especially in less developed countries.

(source:WHO)