You've probably heard that we should eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day... but why?
🥕 Fruit and vegetables are packed with:
✅ Vitamins and minerals
✅ Fibre for a healthy gut
✅ Antioxidants that help protect our cells
✅ Nutrients that support our immune system, heart and overall health
Eating a variety of colours helps give your body the widest range of nutrients.
🤔 Can you have too much fruit?
Yes... but for most people it's unlikely.
Fruit contains natural sugars (fructose). Although they're healthier than added sugars because they come with fibre, vitamins and water, eating very large amounts of fruit can still:
🍌 Add extra calories, which may contribute to weight gain if you're regularly eating more than your body needs.
🍇 Increase sugar exposure to your teeth if you're constantly snacking on fruit throughout the day.
🍎 Cause bloating or loose stools in some people because of the fibre and natural fruit sugars.
🍊 What about fruit juice?
A glass of fruit juice can count as one of your five-a-day, but because the fruit has been juiced, it contains much less fibre and the natural sugars are released more quickly. That's why it's recommended to limit fruit juice to 150ml per day.
🥦 The best approach?
🥕 Aim for at least 5 portions every day.
🌈 Eat a rainbow of different fruit and vegetables.
🍓 Enjoy whole fruit rather than lots of juice or smoothies.
💧 Drink plenty of water.
🪥 Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, but wait around 30 minutes after eating acidic fruits like oranges before brushing.
💚 Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What's your favourite fruit or vegetable? 🍓🥕🥦