NCD Watch

Enjoy Fruit and Vegetables Every Day

8 April 2025 (Tue)

Fruit and vegetables, which come in a wide variety of colours, shapes, flavours and textures, contain many health-enhancing properties. To improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, the Department of Health (DH) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region recommends adults to consume at least 2 servings of fruit and at least 3 servings of vegetables daily, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

There is compelling evidence that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables confers multiple health benefits, including reduced risks of malnutrition (such as micronutrient deficiency, overweight and obesity), cardiovascular diseases (such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (such as colorectal cancer and aerodigestive cancer) and chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma); enhanced mental health (such as reducing depressive symptoms and level of psychological distress and reduced risk of cognitive impairment in older adults); as well as improved immunity and increased longevity.

However, surveys show that local people are consuming insufficient amount of fruit and vegetables. According to the Health Behaviour Survey 2023 conducted by the DH, only 3.0% of persons aged 15 or above reported daily consumption of 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables.

Members of the public are encouraged to eat more fruit and vegetables. The public should cultivate the habit of “2 Plus 3 Every Day”. To ensure adequate intake of various nutrients and phytochemicals, be sure to consume an array of fruit and vegetables incorporating various types and colours.

The DH will continue organising health promotional campaign using a variety of strategies to increase people’s health literacy and awareness of the importance of healthy eating with sufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as work with community partners to empower members of the public to make healthier choices.

Source: NCD Watch April 2025This link will open in a new window