Fruits and Veggies: Do We Still Need 'Five a Day'?

Do you manage to eat your 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day? This recommendation is basically the superstar of all dietary rules. Everyone knows it: it should be 5 portions of fruit and veg, day in and day out. But have you ever wondered where this number actually comes from and whether it still makes sense in 2025?

A Classic Is Born

The story doesn't start in a trendy food kitchen, but in the USA in the 1990s. Back then, the National Cancer Institute launched the campaign "5 A Day – For a better Health". The name said it all: the goal was to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables, as there was evidence that this could lower the risk of cancer. It was a global initiative for health promotion!
In the year 2000, this wave also hit Europe. Organizations like the German Cancer Society (DKG) and the German Nutrition Society (DGE) introduced the "5 am Tag" (5 a Day) initiative. Associations were founded, information materials were created, and projects in schools and kindergartens were promoted. Everything revolved around finally driving the consumption of fruit and vegetables upwards.

Why the 5-a-Day Rule Is Still Golden Today

This guideline isn't just an arbitrary number; it's an ingenious reminder. It has firmly anchored the topic of fruit and vegetables in people's minds. The message is simple and clear. And that is its greatest strength! Even if modern research might now suggest higher numbers – experts often speak of seven or even nine portions – the "5" remains an achievable goal for a start.
It's the perfect starting point for all of us: So, the next time you doubt whether you are eating enough healthy food, think of the 5. It is your foundation, your daily mission for more well-being and energy. Which colorful portion will you grab next?