<P> However, vegetables often also contain toxins and antinutrients which interfere with the absorption of nutrients . These include α - solanine, α - chaconine, enzyme inhibitors (of cholinesterase, protease, amylase, etc .), cyanide and cyanide precursors, oxalic acid, and others . These toxins are natural defenses, used to ward off the insects, predators and fungi that might attack the plant . Some beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, and cassava roots contain cyanogenic glycoside as do bamboo shoots . These toxins can be deactivated by adequate cooking . Green potatoes contain glycoalkaloids and should be avoided . </P> <P> Fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables, have been implicated in nearly half the gastrointestinal infections caused by norovirus in the United States . These foods are commonly eaten raw and may become contaminated during their preparation by an infected food handler . Hygiene is important when handling foods to be eaten raw, and such products need to be properly cleaned, handled, and stored to limit contamination . </P> <P> The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables daily . The total amount consumed will vary according to age and gender, and is determined based upon the standard portion sizes typically consumed, as well as general nutritional content . Potatoes are not included in the count as they are mainly providers of starch . For most vegetables and vegetable juices, one serving is half of a cup and can be eaten raw or cooked . For leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, a single serving is typically a full cup . A variety of products should be chosen as no single fruit or vegetable provides all the nutrients needed for health . </P> <P> International dietary guidelines are similar to the ones established by the USDA . Japan, for example, recommends the consumption of five to six servings of vegetables daily . French recommendations provide similar guidelines and set the daily goal at five servings . In India, the daily recommendation for adults is 275 grams (9.7 oz) of vegetables per day . </P>

What class of food does vegetable belong to