Why a minimum of 5 fruit and vegetables per day?

Did you know that by eating one single kiwi you meet all your vitamin C needs for the day? And that lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red colour, helps to prevent prostate cancer? (Go on and eat them guys!)

Because they are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, fruits and vegetables are a health insurance plan for the long term. They also have the added perk of not containing much fat and calories, while brimming with taste and flavour.

And that’s not all! People who eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables benefit from many advantages.

  • They reduce their risk of cancer: fibre, vitamins and antioxidants are protective substances that prevent certain types of cancers. We estimate that if everyone ate between 5 and 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, we could reduce the number of cases of cancer by about 20% 1.
  • They reduce their risk of heart disease: fibre encourages the lowering of blood cholesterol, and antioxidants help to prevent atherosclerosis.
  • They reduce their risk of suffering from high blood pressure: fibre, potassium and magnesium help reduce high blood pressure.
  • They improve their intestinal regularity: fibre, always combined with water, prevents constipation.
Enjoy filling up healthily by regularly consuming these vitamin and mineral supplements conceived by Mother Nature. Each season, tempt yourself with the abundance of colours, flavours and scents!

1. Expert Report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective, World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research, 1997.


Eating well means more than 5 fruits and vegetables a day

Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day is one of the more advantageous nutritional habits for good health. But a good diet is not limited to fruit and vegetables. Eating well means to adopt a balanced diet that includes foods from the four groups described in Canada’s Food Guide: vegetables and fruit, grain products (bread, pasta, rice, etc.), milk and alternatives (milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified soy beverages), meat and alternatives (meat, poultry, fish and legumes). For references on nutrition and the numerous benefits of fruit and vegetables, visit the “Resources” section.

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