Most people know that eating fruits and vegetables is important for good
health, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. September is
Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.
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 risk of many diseases, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends
eating more fruits and vegetables than any other food group.
Dietary guidelines call for all Americans to eat more nutrient-rich foods.
Fruits and vegetables can be great sources of the following important
nutrients.
-
Calcium: Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It is also needed for
normal functioning of muscles, nerves and some glands.
-
Fiber: Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial
effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease.
-
Folate: Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of
having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect.
-
Iron: Needed for healthy blood and normal functioning of all cells.
-
Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary for healthy bones and is involved with more than
300 enzymes in your body! Inadequate levels may result in muscle cramps
and high blood pressure.
-
Potassium: Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
-
Sodium: Needed for normal cell function throughout the body. Most diets contain
too much sodium which is associated with high blood pressure.
-
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.
For more information, go to
www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.