“Eat your fruits and vegetables.” You’ve likely heard this statement since childhood. Research shows why it is good advice:
- Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
- Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health.
- Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling.
Fruits and veggies provide the unrivaled combination of great taste, nutrition, abundant variety and multiple product forms – nature’s perfect convenience food! The potential benefits associated with eating more fruits and vegetables stack up quickly: Reducing your risk of certain chronic diseases is only the beginning. Every step taken towards eating more fruits and veggies helps you and your family be at their best. Because eating fruits and vegetables may reduce your family’s risk of many diseases, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating more fruits and vegetables than any other food group. Fruits and vegetables can be great sources of key nutrients which may play a role in reducing the risk of certain diseases.
- Fiber: Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease.
- Magnesium: Supports normal muscle and nerve function, a steady heart rhythm and a healthy immune system.
- Folate: Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect.
- Iron
- Potassium: Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Sodium
- Vitamin A: Keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps protect against infections.
- Vitamin C: Helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
