a day Eating a good variety of fruit and vegetables is an important element of healthy eating. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that we eat a minimum of 400g of fruit and veg every day, equating to five portions. This recommended daily amount is thought to help reduce risk of serious health conditions including stroke, heart disease, obesity and type diabetes. The a day message looks to encourage people to enjoy a variety of different vegetables and fruits as part of a healthy balanced diet.
- - Vegetables and Fruits Terms Meaning Cling wrap A thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh over a longer period of time. Pectin Pectin is a soluble gelatinous polysaccharide which is present in ripe fruits and is used as a setting agent in jams and jellies. Antioxidants An antioxidant is a substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta-carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation Phytonutrients Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and legumes. These plant compounds have beneficial effects working with other essential nutrients to promote good health Brassica vegetables Any plant belonging to the genus Brassica , of the mustard family.
Examples include cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, and mustard Dietary fibre Also known as roughage. It is a portion of the plant that cannot be digested by the digestive enzymes. Blanching This refers to a cooking technique in which food is briefly immersed in boiling water. Blanching brings out the colour in vegetables and helps to maintain their nutritional value, which can be lost with overcooking.
Flavanoids A large group of water-soluble plant pigments that are beneficial to health. Flavonoids are polyphenols and have antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Satiety Satiety is a state of being completely full, more commonly used to describe someone who has eaten enough. Glossary Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits is an important element of healthy eating and helps to reduce the risk of