"tips & tricks to help you live a healthy lifestyle without putting a big impact on the earth"

04 September 2010

Fruits and Veggies Matter!

Benefits of Fruits and Veggies

  • Fruits and vegetables are important to overall health, adding essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. People who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthy diet tend to have lower rates of diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
  • Consuming fruits and veggies satisfies hunger and helps stave off those cravings for empty calories.
  • There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, crisp piece of fruit or a grilled, lightly seasoned vegetable. You just can’t beat it!
  • With fruits and veggies as part of your daily meal plan, you will have increased energy. Seriously, you’ll feel a whole lot better.
  • The National Fruit & Vegetable Program says that all fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits and vegetables and 100 percent juice products are acceptable — as long as you make sure there are no added sugars, syrups, salt, butter, or cream sauces.

Recommended Daily Dose
We’re all different and so are our dietary needs, depending on our health status, age, and other factors. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a range from two to six and one-half cups per day. There’s no need to stress out about amounts or make things more complicated than they need to be; simply making fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal will help you meet your recommended amount each day.

Dietary Supplements and Fortified Food
There are many fortified foods and dietary supplements on the market that can help, but nothing gives the full benefits like fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if you do take supplements, it is still recommended that you meet your nutritional needs primarily through foods.

BY Ann Pietrangelo

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