The Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables
by Journey to Health Nutritionist, Lainie Wolter
We’ve all been told at one time or another to “eat your vegetables” or “add fruit to your diet”. But maybe you haven’t done that yet because you don’t understand why you should eat fruits and vegetables.
So, what is it about fruits and vegetables (F&V) that make them so important in our diet and overall health journey? For starters, they are minimally processed, and if you can avoid processed foods – do it! We want to prioritize whole, natural foods in our diet that are high in nutrients and low in additives. The nutrient profile of F&V is more complete than any processed foods you will find, but that’s not all. A couple of weeks ago, we dove into vitamins and minerals and if you remember, F&V were some of the main sources of vitamins and minerals!
Aim to eat a minimum of 2-3 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of vegetables everyday. To maximize the health benefits, try to fill half your plate with F&V and include a variety of colors! You truly can’t go wrong with F&V, especially if you’re making them at home! Just remember that more colorful = more nutritious.
Check out this list of what fruits and vegetables can do for you!
- Decrease risk of disease
- Weight loss and bowel regulation
- Lower blood pressure
- Decrease risk of osteoporosis
- Slow cell damage from aging
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Transmit nerve impulses and muscle contraction
What can you add to your meals today to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables?
