Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good health. Failing to eat enough fruits and vegetables is also the number one dietary risk for poor health.
Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables
A report from 2021 showed that in Colorado, 25% of 1-5 year-olds consumed fruit less than once a day, and 47% of 1-5 year-olds consumed vegetables less than once a day.
Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables in Your Diet
Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet can:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce the risk of heart disease & stroke
- Prevent some types of cancer
- Lower risk of eye problems
- Improve digestion
- Regulate blood sugar
- Boost school performance in children
Recommended Servings
A serving of fruits or vegetables is approximately one cup (cooked or raw). A serving of greens is two cups, and a serving of dried fruit is half a cup.
Experts agree that the average adult should eat 5-9 cups of fruits and vegetables daily, and children should eat at least 2 fruits and 3 vegetables daily.
New evidence suggests that certain fruits and vegetables are more important for a healthy diet, including:
- Dark leafy greens like:
- Spinach
- Chard
- Kale
- Dark orange & red vegetables like:
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Red peppers
