What counts as one of your five-a-day? Simple guide to help you eat healthier

WE all know we should be eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but many of us still struggle to eat half this amount

Woman eating vegetables and fruitGETTY

Scientist have proven eating five portions of fruit and vegetables can improve health

It has been proven that eating fruit and vegetable helps stave off infections and diseases while increasing protection against cancer and promoting overall health.

However, The National Diet and Nutrition Survey found that only 31 per cent of Brits aged 19 to 64 years, and 37 per cent adults over 65, consumed their five-a-day.

"One of the key culprits is convenience," said Rachel De Thample, author of the new cookbook Five. 

"I can't tell you how many times I've been walking around London on empty, craving what I know is healthy and good. The options are exactly opposite to what we need."

It can be tricky working out exactly what consist of one portion of fruit and vegetables.

So we've complied a guide to do the hard work for you.

An appleGETTY

One apple is one proportion

Two carrotsGETTY

Two small carrots count as one portion of your five-a-day

Two KiwisGETTY

Two kiwis equal one of you five-a-day

A bananaGETTY

One medium banana is one proportion

half a cucumberGETTY

Half a cucumber counts as one portion of veg

Five strawberries GETTY

Five strawberries count as one of your five-a-day

Three runner beansGETTY

Three runner beans are one portion of veg

Five brusell sproutsGETTY

Five Brusell sprouts count as one portion

One medium tomatoeGETTY

One medium tomato equals one of your five

An orangeGETTY

One medium orange counts is one of your five-a-day

Five: 150 effortless ways to eat 5+ fruit and veg a day, by Rachel De Thample, is available to buy at £14.99 from Random House Group

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