The message from the Department of Health is: “Eat more fruit and vegetables to keep looking and feeling food inside and out!” If we increase our fruit and vegetables consumption we could significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, some form of cancer, obesity and high blood pressure. Other health benefits include improving bowel function thanks to high fibre content and maintaining healthy weight.

It is recommended to consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetable per day while, according to research, the average person in the UK consumes less than 3 portions of fruit and vegetable a day. Fruit tastes delicious and there are many varieties to choose from.

One portion of fruit (about 80g) is equal to: Medium-sized fruit such as an apple, orange, pear orTwo small-sized pieces of fruit such as satsuma, strawberries, kiwis orOne slice of large fruit such as melon and pineapple or Two slices of mango orOne bowl of fruit salad This food group is a rich source of nutrients such as carbohydrates (body fuel), vitamin C (healing process of tissue, normal functioning of connective tissue, antioxidant properties), folate (prevention of neural tube defects), fibre (prevention of constipation), beta-caroten (normal structure and function of the skin, normal vision and the immune system), potassium (lowering blood pressure and proper functioning of cells) and phytochemicals which act as antioxidants and may reduce damage to cell DNA and cell membranes. (sources: BNF, BDA, British Potato Council and NHS (5-a-day) websites)