The recommendations for eating five-a-day portions of fruits and vegetables, suggested by the World Health Organisation and backed by the government and NHS, may not be adequate. It is thought that only 30% of the population actually manages to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis with the majority managing three or less.

A study carried out by University College London, found that eating large portions of fruits and vegetables significantly reduced the risk of premature death. Over the course of the 12 year study, people who ate at least seven portions of fruits and vegetables were 42% less likely to die of any cause. This study prompted health experts to suggest that we should actually be considering an intake of ten portions of fruits and vegetables daily as opposed to the five-a-day recommendations until now. Additionally, it has been suggested that vegetables were healthier than fruits; canned and frozen fruits increased the risks and fruit juice had no significant benefit.

What represents a portion?

A portion of vegetable or fruit is around 80g. This equates to:

• A medium sized piece of fruit such as an apple, pear, orange, nectarine or banana.
• Two or more small sized fruits such as plums, satsumas, kiwi or apricots
• A large handful of berries, grapes or cherries
• A dessert bowl full of salad
• Three heaped tablespoons of pulses such as beans, lentils and peas
• One heaped tablespoon of dried fruit such as cranberries and raisins (only 30g of dried fruit is required because the portion size is based on the weight of fresh fruit)

It is not that difficult to see why many people do not achieve five portions a day let alone the seven or ten portions that are increasingly being recommended.

Why should we eat vegetables and fruits?

We know that we should all eat fruits and vegetables because these supply us with different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Additionally, many of these fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients which are beneficial compounds found in plants that protect the plant but also protect our body through a variety of mechanisms.

Vegetables and fruits should comprise one third of one’s daily diet and ideally one should have a variety of coloured fruits and vegetables as they all have different amounts of nutrients.

A supplement which provides the benefits of vegetables

With almost two-thirds of the adult population not managing to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and with recommendations for higher intakes, there may be a need for some people to consider the use of an excellent fermented green superfood powder called Udo’s Beyond Greens by Udo’s Choice. Formulated with a synergistic blend of the finest green foods, essential fatty acids, fibre, whole food concentrates, phytonutrients, antioxidants and digestive enzymes.

Many people choose to use spirulina and chlorella as a source of greens however Udo’s Beyond Greens takes green superfoods to another level.

Beyond greens contains fibre and seed blend, spirulina, chlorella, blend of food concentrates and phyto-nutrients. For each vegetable, there are scientific studies indicating that the nutrients found within that vegetable are nutrient dense and more available when compared to the vegetable in its raw state.

Likewise, it also contains an organic greens blend of barley grass, alfalfa, oat grass, rye grass, chlorella and spirulina. We know the benefits of using these green superfoods because they are rich in chlorophyll, a molecule that resembles haemoglobin in our blood cells which carry vital oxygen to all the tissues. Grasses and algae are also good at alkalising the body which aids in the detoxification of heavy metals and chemicals found within our bodies. The fermentation of these grasses and algae makes their active ingredients more available and therefore more beneficial to the body.

I have summarised the benefits of Beyond Greens which are numerous and include:

• The formulation includes organic fibre and greens blend to supply the body with tremendous natural energy.
• Naturally occuring digestive enzymes and probiotics help healthy digestion, nutrient uptake, support immunity and calm inflammation within the gut.
• Contains soluble and non-soluble organic fibres which help to curb appetite, support healthy blood sugar levels, prevent constipation and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Chlorophyll rich vegetables, grasses and algae alkalise the body; provide vital oxygen to all the tissues and glands and aid detoxification.

Udo’s Beyond Greens provides all the benefits of fermented vegetables. It is beneficial for anyone who wishes to cleanse, energise and deeply nourish the body. It is also ideal for those of us who struggle to eat five portions of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis.

Bear in mind that this product is not a substitute for eating vegetables and fruits. It is however a good addition to anyone’s diet whether you do eat your daily recommended portions of vegetables or not.

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