Q&A: Eat Your Way to Good Health

Bins of glistening red tomatoes, deep green peppers, shiny apples, bright yellow lemons. All of these delicious—and nutritious—fruits and vegetables are easy to find in the summer months at your local farmer’s market or fruit stand. Better yet, when you include such choices as part of your regular diet, you’ll also get some important health benefits.

Q: What is the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables that I should be eating each day?

A: The latest guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) say that the number of produce servings you need varies depending on your gender, age, and activity level. For instance, a 20-year-old female who is moderately active should aim for two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables every day, while a 40-year-old who is equally active needs two cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables. You can calculate the recommended amount for your personal situation at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/benefits/index.html#.

Q: What are the benefits of including fruits and vegetables as a regular part of my diet?

A: Fresh fruits and vegetables are very high in vitamins and minerals that can help your body to function at its best. In fact, the CDC explains that eating adequate amounts of fresh produce can actually reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, and it can even prevent certain cancers. In addition, information provided by the Harvard School of Public Health stresses that eating plenty of vegetables can help manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, and help prevent vision loss, among other benefits.

Q: Everything usually looks so appealing in the produce aisle. How can I choose?

A: Summertime offers a wealth of produce choices, and most of them will be good for your health. Tomatoes, different types of summer squash, zucchini and peppers in all shapes, sizes, and colors are just a few of the best picks you can find, but depending on the month and where you live, your options can be almost endless. One thing to help you strategically navigate the aisles is to look for fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of different colors, such as red strawberries, orange carrots, green spinach, purple plums, and black beans. The CDC points out that when you eat different colors, you are likely getting a healthy variety of nutrients.

Q: How can I learn more about the benefits of fruits and vegetables?

A: The CDC has partnered with the Produce for Better Health Foundation to create an online public health campaign called Fruits & Veggies-More Matters.TM Their website (www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/) serves as a valuable resource on this subject and offers a handful of interactive tools and recipes you can use to incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits into your daily menus at home.