So, how many fruits and veggies do I need in a day? Take this quiz to find out

Continuing confusion has led me to rework a quiz I developed a few years ago. The quiz’s goal is to help people understand the optimal number of servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The stressors of the past few years have made it more important to receive the benefits that produce has to offer. Calculate your responses and the number of produce servings will be revealed.

Did you make it through the worst of the pandemic?

Yes — 1 fruit and 1 vegetable. No — 0

The stress of the past two years has taken its toll. A varied food intake that includes vegetables may help regulate cortisol levels and support the immune system.

Are you spending more than one hour a day looking at a phone, tablet or computer?

Yes — 1 fruit and 1 vegetable. No — Really?

Important nutrients for the eyes are lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin C and E and zinc. Make this serving of produce colorful. Carrots, sweet potatoes, avocados, dark green vegetables, berries, kiwi, grapes and dried plums are good choices.

Looking at your parents and ancestors, has anyone had diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure?

Yes — 2 vegetables. No

— you are probably missing information on your ancestors.

Data from 2018 reveals that 13% of the population over 18 years of age has diabetes. And an alarming 27% over 65 have diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half the adults in the U.S. have hypertension. Potassium in fruits and vegetables is one of the best friends your blood pressure has.

Have you been around pollutants such as automobile exhaust?

Yes — 1 vegetable. No — Keep breathing, you will be.

My favorite detoxing vegetable is the mighty broccoli sprout. It is a delicious add on to salads and sandwiches and has 10 times the sulphoraphane of broccoli.

Have you ever made a resolution to make one simple change to improve your health?

Yes — 1 fruit or vegetable. No — 1 fruit or vegetable.

According to this scientific quiz, I need three fruits and five vegetables a day. I’m not there yet, but it is a doable goal.

Sheah Rarback MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice in Miami.