Getting your 5 a day isn’t something you should ignore, it’s a simple way to fuel your body, support long-term health, and feel your best every day. From boosting your immune system and improving digestion to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, the colourful food on your plate is doing a lot more than you might realise.

In this blog, we’ll discuss why your 5 a day really matters and how to make it easier to get your daily intake.

Why is Getting Your 5 A Day So Important?

Eating fruit and vegetables has a lot of health benefits. Lets dive into the key reasons why getting your 5 a day is essential:

• Fruit and Vegetables are one of the best sources of fibre (NHS). Fibre is important to maintain a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and the risk of other digestive diseases. Fibre can also reduce the risk of both type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
• They are a great source of vitamin C which helps to protect cells and keep them healthy and also helps to heal wounds (NHS). Some of the foods they are most commonly found in include citrus fruits, broccoli and potatoes.
• They also contain good levels of potassium. A potassium rich diet is essential for maintaining healthy nerve function and fluid balance. It can even help to lower blood pressure and prevent strokes and osteoporosis (Healthline). 
• Many fruit and vegetables are also rich in folate (NHS), which helps the body form healthy red blood cells. 

Overall, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to thrive, naturally and effectively.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Your 5 a Day into Your Diet

We’re all guilty of not incorporating enough fruit and veg into our diet, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be surprisingly simple with a few smart habits. 

One way to easily eat more fruit and veg is to add them into your existing meals and snacks. For example adding tomatoes and lettuce to your sandwiches or making a side salad to accompany your meals. You can also swap out your snacks, for example, swapping crisps for crunchy carrot sticks or a handful of grapes. You could even make a delicious smoothie with your favourite fruits. Tinned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables all count, making it even easier to mix things up and keep it convenient. 

By making small changes and planning ahead, fitting in your 5 a day becomes a natural, and delicious, part of your routine!