5 Fruit and Veggie Basics

September is National Fruits & Veggies Month. Did you know eating your fruits and vegetables is important?

Not only are they nutritious, they may also offer protection against various diseases, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and even certain types of cancers.

Research has shown that a colorful diet is a great way to boost your health and vitality. But how can you be sure that you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs to thrive?

Here are some tips for you to up your fruits and veggies game:

1. Aim for at least 5 a day. A recent analysis found that eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day supports health and longevity. The greatest health benefits come from eating 10 portions daily.
2. Stock your freezer. Can’t keep your fridge stocked with fresh fruits and veggies? No worries! Research shows frozen produce contains the same amount of nutrients as fresh.
3. Eat the rainbow. Different kinds of fruits and vegetables contain different kinds of nutrients. The more colors, the better!
4. Blend it. Can’t stand the taste and texture of kale? Make a super smoothie by adding one cup of kale to a third cup of unsweetened almond milk. Top off with 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter, 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, one-half frozen banana, and several chunks of frozen pineapple pieces. Blend until smooth and enjoy immediately!
5. When in doubt, choose organic. The Environmental Working Group has a list of the Clean Fifteen and the Dirty Dozen. These lists tell you which fruits and vegetables contain the least amount of pesticides and which produce have the most, respectively. Strawberries topped the “Dirty Dozen” list for the sixth year in a row.

Lastly, greens, vegetables, and low glycemic index fruits are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. They are not only rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but are full of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are health-boosting, nutrient-like compounds found in plant foods that are invaluable to your health.

What fruit or vegetable will you be adding to your diet, today?