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Vegetables
Posted 12/3/2008 @ 9:09:06 am by vegetableblogger.com
We learn early on that we must eat our vegetables, but it is not until later that we learn why. Scientists are constantly discovering more about the health benefits of eating vegetables. There is such a wide variety of vegetables available today that finding some that appeal to our taste is not that difficult. Vegetables contain a wide range of compounds that are required to keep our body healthy. The USDA reports that less than twenty-five percent of adolescents get the recommended number of fruits and vegetables a day. Some of the benefits of eating the recommended number of vegetables each day are to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Eating vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic disease and promotes good health.
We have learned that color matters when selecting vegetables. The health promoting phytochemicals in vegetables vary by color. To get the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that each color offers, try to select from each color group every day to get the right balance for your body. The USDA pyramid combines the fruit and vegetable category and recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. In addition to eating vegetables for the direct health benefit, vegetables are low in fat and high in fiber. Healthy portions of vegetables can help curb the intake of sugars and fats, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Studies have shown that taking supplements to increase the vitamin intake is not as beneficial as eating a variety of vegetables. The vegetables can be cooked or raw, or made into a fresh juice. |
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