A serving size is quite different from portion size. Figuring out the optimum nutrition serving size allows a person to take proper portions of fruits and vegetables to get sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development. In adults, optimum nutrition serving size ensures good health.

Usually, to get the correct and best serving size, it is best to consult a food pyramid. The pyramid will show the amount of the various vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fat that a person requires on a daily basis to maintain health and keep all illnesses away.

The US Department of Agriculture has put out a list of foods that are considered to be good for the body and those that should be consumed in smaller portions. There are certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that the body needs in order to survive as well as prosper. For example, peppers and tomatoes aid in the protection of lungs from harmful cigarette smoke; and oranges help people who are suffering from mild depression. The serving size helps a person to figure out how much of the various vitamins, minerals and nutrients should be consumed on a daily basis and how the person can get them.

Usually, when people are serving themselves, they end using the wrong serving portion to determine the serving size. For example, cutting a large apple will give one cup of sliced apple. On the other hand, a small apple will give just half a cup. Hence, it is important to read food labels carefully to figure out serving sizes. Usually, a single packet of food contains more than 1 serving. This is quite common in juices that actually have 2 or more servings in each bottle.

Depending on a person's age, gender and activity level, optimum nutrition serving size is determined. Hence, serving size varies from person to person. Usually, an average adult should consume 2 cups of fruit everyday, while a child should consume between 1 cup and 1.5 cups of fruit. People who lead a physically active life need bigger servings of fruits compared to those who lead a sedentary life. Where vegetables are concerned, anyone who is more than 8 years should consume 2.5 cups to 3 cups everyday. Children younger than 8 years should consume 1 to 1.5 cups of vegetables.

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