A new food guide was released by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2005 (USDA, 2005; Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion) providing clear recommendations on fruit and vegetable intake.
The recommendations for vegetables include the intake of 2.5 cups equivalent (250 mL per cup) per day or more, comprising dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach; orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes; and dry beans and lentils.
A recent Canadian publication shows recommendations ranging from 4 to 6 servings (a serving is 125 mL or 1/2 cup) for children, from 7 to 8 servings for teens, and from 7 to 10 servings for adults.
So far as the fruits are concerned, the recommendations are to eat a minimum of 2 cups equivalent every day comprising a variety of fruits and processed products, excluding juice.
High sugar content in fruit juices may not be suitable for many health-compromised individuals. Whole fruit blends without added sugar
may be an option in such cases.
Detailed information is also available on the fruit and vegetable consumption habits of Americans (Lin et al., 2004). In a 2003 estimate it was found that typical American diet falls severely short of the daily recommendations having fruit consumption equivalent to 1.4 servings per day (less than half of the recommended 4 servings or 2 cups).
Vegetable consumption is relatively higher with 3.7 servings per day (below the recommended 5 servings or 2.5 cups per day).
However, promotions at several levels (media, organizations, schools, fast food chains, etc.) are resulting in an increased understanding of the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption.