The National Cancer Institute recommends that most people eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day to prevent disease and stay as healthy as possible. That may sound like a lot, but a serving is smaller than most people think. A typical serving can fit within the palm of your hand. For example, each of the following is one serving:
 |
A medium-size orange or apple or a small banana |
 |
One cup of raw salad greens |
 |
½ cup of cooked vegetables or beans |
 |
½ cup of cut-up fruits or vegetables |
 |
¼ cup of dried fruit |
 |
A 6-ounce glass (3/4 cup) of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice |
Keep in mind that a typical portion is often more than one serving. A large salad, for example, can add up to two or three servings.
|