How much fruits and vegetables do you need?

It is recommended that adults eat at least 1.5-2 cups of fruit a day and 2-3 cups of vegetables a day (depending on age and gender). Most people are getting nowhere near this much! Even people who do eat this many fruits and vegetables may not get it consistently. Those with pain and inflammation would benefit from even more servings. For both these reasons, most people would benefit from being on a good quality fruit/vegetable supplement in addition to a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

The fresher the better! 
There is significant vitamin losses from “field to plate”. Green beans had a 45% nutrient loss 11-15 days after picked, broccoli/cauliflower had a 25% nutrient loss 6-16 days after picked, garden peas had a 15% nutrient loss 8-10 days after being picked, and carrots had a 10% nutrient loss 9-10 after being picked. Frozen vegetables are a better option then canned and even older fresh vegetables since they lock in more of the vitamins when they freeze them quickly after being picked.