NCD Watch

Aim for "2 Plus 3 a day"

28 Mar 2011 (Mon)

Fruit and vegetables (including root vegetables and tubers) contain soluble and insoluble dietary fibre , as well as various vitamins and minerals. When consumed adequately in a balanced diet, fruit and vegetables can help prevent many non-communicable diseases, including heart diseases, stroke, certain cancers, constipation and haemorrhoids. For optimal health, individuals should have at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables a day ( "2 Plus 3 a day" ), equivalent to at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. However, most people in Hong Kong do not eat enough fruit and vegetables. A survey conducted in 2010 by the Department of Health showed that only about one-fifth of community-dwelling people aged 18 to 64 would eat 2 or more servings of fruit a day; and less than three-tenths had a daily intake of 3 or more servings of vegetables. Overall, only 19% of people consumed 5 servings or servings of fruit and vegetables a day. To be healthy, we should aim for "2 Plus 3 a day" and try a variety of fresh and unprocessed fruit and vegetables.