I like meat as well as the next person, but I know that vegetables are important for robust health. I’ve heard many times that 5 produce servings a day should suffice. However, researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, both in Boston, say that the balance of fruits and veges also matters, and so do the the specific items eaten. Two servings a day should include fruits with high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C, such as berries and citrus. The other 3 servings should be veges such as spinach, other leafy greens and carrots. Other starchy veges, including peas, corn, and potatoes, are not associated with reduced risk for death or chronic diseases-so recommendations are for once or twice per week.
This study was published in the journal Circulation.
Stay well,
John R Blilie, MS, OSC