Are You Eating Enough?.....Fruits and Vegetables That Is!

Most Americans do not eat the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables daily. These foods contain valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber and other naturally occurring substances that can help protect your body from developing chronic diseases, such as stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. Research shows that our body gets greater benefit from eating whole fruits and vegetables compared to taking supplements containing the same nutrients.

Depending on your age, gender and activity level, the USDA recommends 5 to 9 servings per day of fruits & vegetables combined. For example, older women and younger children need 3 vegetable and 2 fruit servings, while active men and teen boys need 5 vegetable and 4 fruit servings daily. To determine how many fruits & vegetables you need, go to the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

What is a serving size?
Vegetables: ½ cup; or leafy vegetables 1 cup (i.e. spinach, lettuce, collard greens, etc.)
Fruits: ½ cup slice, 1 medium, or ¼ cup dried

Remember to THINK COLOR when choosing fruits and vegetables to maximize the variety of nutrients you get . Examples include red strawberries, green spinach, orange sweet potatoes, purple plums, black beans, yellow corn, and white onions.