Explore the world of fruits and vegetables for a number of health-promoting benefits such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals.
Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist, said during the month of September to make it a priority to increase your vegetable and fruit intake.
The American Heart Association recommends five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day to maintain optimal health. This will assist in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
“A plate of food that is colorful with fruits and vegetables is appealing to the eye and to the body,” Hermann said. “Fruits and vegetables provide a supply of phytochemicals and nutrients in healthy combinations.”
Each fruit and vegetable has a different complement of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals are natural plant compounds that have many health benefits. Phytochemicals provide many of the bright colors in fruits and vegetables.
Vegetable and fruit salads are an easy way to add vegetables and fruits to a diet.
A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found those who ate salads, raw vegetables and salad dressing consume considerably higher levels of vitamin C, E, B6 and folic acid.
These are all key nutrients in promoting a healthy immune system.
Hermann said that deeply-colored fruits and vegetables provide a wide array of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good health and reduce the risk of disease.
“Variety is the best way to get the benefits each has to offer and color is an easy way to think about adding variety,” Hermann said.
For more information on “Fruits and Vegetables — More Matters” Month, visit the Produce for Better Health Foundation Web site at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.com.
