The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming 2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2½ cup equivalents of vegetables per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. But, according to a 2017 CDC study, just 1 out of 10 adults meet the recommended levels. The study notes that as a result, adults are missing out on essential nutrients inherently found in fruits and vegetables.
Depending upon the type, vegetables provide nutrients like dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, iron, manganese, thiamine and niacin. Fruits are high in fiber and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium and folate, and are also loaded with beneficial antioxidants.