Why fruits and vegetables matter

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: September 9, 2013

We’ve grown up hearing that it’s important to eat your fruits and vegetables every day. How essential? According to recent news, it’s very essential! Consider this: A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating five servings or more of fruits and vegetables per day may be linked to higher chances of living longer.

Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a diet that includes a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

It goes to show that the advice you’ve been hearing since childhood is just as relevant today.

Not sure what you should be eating each day?
When it comes to daily recommendations, ChooseMyPlate.gov makes it simple: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. They offer the following tips to select the best from local grocers and markets:

Fruits

• Use fruits as snacks, salads and desserts. At breakfast, top cereal with bananas or strawberries; add blueberries to pancakes.
• Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table
• For dessert, try baked apples, pears or a fruit salad

Vegetables

• Eat more red, orange and dark-green vegetables like tomatoes, carrots and broccoli in main dishes.
• Buy fresh vegetables in season. They cost less and are likely to be at their peak flavor.
• Try spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute
• Stock up on frozen vegetables for a quick and easy cooking.

For ten more tips on helping employees make healthy choices, including boosting their intake of fruits and vegetables, read more from Valley Preferred. And, for more information on wellness programs and services designed to keep your employees healthy, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for your general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a physician. All medical inquiries regarding your health should be presented to a physician.