The Power of FIVE

The secret to reaching produce goals

Though most fall short of recommended fruits and vegetables in their diet, we have GOOD NEWS!  You are just 12 baby carrots, 2 stalks of celery, ½ avocado, 1 banana and 8 strawberries away from getting an optimal amount of daily fruits and vegetables!  According to a new study published by the Journal Circulation, FIVE may be the number to aim for when it comes to produce consumption AND a longer life.

While at Dole, where we believe more is more when it comes to fruits and vegetables, this quite extensive research assessed the diets of over 2 million people and it suggests that 5-A-Day is the sweet spot for preventing chronic diseases.  Researchers did call out that fruit juice, corn and other starchy vegetables did not provide added benefit which means you should aim first for a combination of 2 fruits and 3 non-starchy vegetables (think spinach, lettuce, string beans, broccoli) and then include starchier vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn.  After-all fruits and vegetables in all forms contribute a variety of flavors and textures to meals that keeps eating interesting and fun.    

Think of this latest study as aclarificationof the FDA’s recommended 5-13 daily servings of fruit and vegetables. The main takeaway: Make sure 2 of those servings are fruit and 3 are non-starchy vegetables and add from there! 

For more fresh fruit and vegetable meal inspiration, visit the recipe center at Dole.com. 

Published April 1st 2021