Answer :Lynne M. Ausman, DSc, RD, a scientist in Tufts HNRCA Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, says the serving sizes used in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate program are a good benchmark. In general, 1 cup of fruit or 100% fruit juice, or 1/2 cup of dried fruit can be considered as 1 serving. For whole fruit, 1 serving would include 1 small or half a large apple, 1 large banana (6-9), 1 medium grapefruit, 1 large orange, 1 large peach, 1 medium pear, 3 medium or 2 large plums, or 1 small wedge of watermelon (1 thick).
For vegetables, in general, 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy greens can be considered as 1 serving. Thats about 3 broccoli spears (5 long), 2 medium carrots, 1 large bell pepper, 1 large tomato, 1 sweet potato, 1 large ear of corn, 1 medium white potato, or 2 large celery stalks (11-12).
A 2006 review of the evidence published in The Lancet concluded that, compared with individuals who had less than 3 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, those consuming 3-5 servings daily were at 11% lower risk of stroke and those eating more than 5 servings daily were at 26% lower risk. Fruits and vegetables had a significant protective effect on both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.