by: Zaak OConan

Dietary experts recommend that every person should eat at least five
servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The importance of
fruits and vegetables to a healthy diet has been known for quite
some time, but studies have shown that very few people eat the
amount of fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy diet.

That’s a shame, since eating a sufficient number of fruits and
vegetables just may be the single most effective thing you can do to
improve your overall health. The five a day approach to healthy
eating may be the single most important strategy you can adopt for a
healthier lifestyle.

The many health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables have been
established for quite some time now. Study after study has shown
that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of certain
cancers, heart disease and other chronic diseases and conditions.
Some studies have suggested that as many as 35% of cancer deaths can
be attributed to diet, and that diets high in fats and low in fruits
and vegetables contributes to unnecessary cancer deaths.

Fruits and vegetables have a lot of advantages besides just their
nutritional importance. For one thing, they taste great and add a
great deal of variety to everyday meals. Fruits and vegetables come
in such a wide variety of colors, textures and flavors that they can
be used in virtually every meal. Those seeking to maximize their
consumption of fruits and vegetables should get into the habit of
using fruits in salads, as toppings and as garnishes.

In addition to their great taste, fruits and vegetables are packed
full of many essential vitamins and minerals, including many
micronutrients that are not included in packaged vitamin
supplements. For instance, foods like butternut squash, pumpkins,
carrots, mangoes, peaches, pawpaws and green leafy vegetables are
rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene is vital for healthy skin and
eyes.

In addition, most varieties of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin
C, another important vitamin and a strong antioxidant. Good sources
of vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, strawberries,
broccoli, nectarines and kiwi fruit. Many fruits and vegetables,
including spinach, broccoli and avocadoes, are also good sources of
vitamin E, another excellent antioxidant.

Men and women alike should always strive to eat a healthy diet, but
women have an extra incentive to get all the nutrition they need.
Proper nutrition is essential to a healthy pregnancy, and some of
the baby’s biggest nutritional needs happen before the pregnancy is
discovered. Folic acid is perhaps the best known essential nutrient
for pregnant women. Folic acid has been proven effective at
preventing a variety of birth defects, including Spina Bifida. Good
dietary sources of folic acid include Brussels sprouts, broccoli,
spinach and oranges. In addition, due to its importance to women of
child bearing years, many common foods such as cereals and breads,
are supplemented with folic acid.

In addition to their importance as source of vitamins and minerals,
fruits and vegetables also provide essential dietary fiber. Adequate
fiber in the diet is important in preventing heart disease and some
kinds of cancer.

Another great feature of fruits and vegetables, especially to those
watching their weight, is the high nutrition, low fat, low calorie
nature of these foods. Fruits and vegetables contain very low levels
of fats, and a diet low in fat can be quite effective for long term
weight loss. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain no
cholesterol, and they are lower in calories than many other types of
foods.

With all these things going for them, it is no wonder so many
dietary experts recommend eating a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables. Not only are fruits and vegetables delicious and
nutritious, but they can be quite inexpensive as well. Buying fruits
and vegetables that are locally grown, and that are in season, is
usually the most cost effective way to get the freshest fruits and
veggies at the lowest possible cost.

This buying strategy also helps to ensure a steady stream of new
fruits and vegetables every month, as some go out of season while
others are just coming in. Trying a variety of different fruits and
vegetables, including some you may not be familiar with, is also a
great way to create exciting new dishes and prevent yourself from
becoming bored with the same old diet. Whether your goal is to lose
weight or just increase your level of fitness, it is hard to go
wrong with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

About the author:
Zaak O'Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to
enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You'll find
his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve
your life at http://your-health-center.com