According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “People who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.”1
Health Benefits
- May reduce risk for stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart disease.
- May protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer.
- Potassium in fruit may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and may help to decrease bone loss and maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Instead of some other higher-calorie food and may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.
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Nutrition Information:
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion recommends two cups of fruit and two and a half to three cups of vegetables per day for men and women ages 19-30. “Not many students can achieve this,” Crocker says. “That’s why smoothies are so great, because you’re getting two to three servings of fruits or veggies in every drink. One of the easiest ways to eat your fruits and vegetables is to drink them.”3
Nutritional Benefits
- Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories. None have cholesterol.
- Important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).
- Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
- Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells.