Are You Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables?

We've known for quite some time that fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Anything naturally grown from the earth is more nutrient dense. Science has more recently established that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help prevent some life-threatening diseases.
Even more recently, researchers are coming to understand that the key to this advice is the phrase "fruits and vegetables." While a diet high in fruits and vegetables is healthful, that does not mean that taking pills and supplements that contain individual vitamins and minerals in megadoses will do the same thing. I find that when people ask me about supplements, it is out of curiosity fueled by the media or maybe a friend. I say you can receive most of what you need in your diet. If you feel you are deficient in a particular area, ask a doctor to test your blood and tell you what you may be lacking. Start by researching which foods contain that vitamin or mineral and try to consume it. If that route is not successful, then add the supplement.
Fruits and vegetables are a valuable source of fiber. Fiber serves many functions in the body. In particular, it keeps the digestive system running smoothly and may reduce the risk of heart disease and some gastrointestinal problems, and possibly some cancers. In addition, fruits and vegetables are high in beneficial minerals such as potassium, which lowers blood pressure.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only lowers the risk of hypertension, but heart disease and stroke, as well. People who follow such a diet live longer than those who don't. Studies also show that such a diet may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer — probably esophageal, stomach, and lung cancers, according to a review of hundreds of studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Check out www.mypyramid.gov. This is the United States Department of Agriculture’s site on nutrition. Click on ’Inside the Pyramid’ in the center section. You can find recommended servings sizes and suggested choices for all food groups inclusive of fruits and vegetables. The average daily recommendation for women is 2-2.5 cups of vegetables and 1.5-2 cups of fruit. Men need 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit on a daily basis. Here’s to healthy eating!