Eat More Fruits and Vegetables to Protect Your Health

Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

 Add fruits and veggies to your diet with these tips:

• Add strawberries, blueberries, or bananas to your waffles, pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, or toast.
• Include vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms or tomatoes in your egg or egg white omelet.
• Ask for more vegetable toppings (like mushrooms, peppers, and onions) and less cheese on your pizza.
• Choose beans, corn on the cob, or a side salad with low-calorie salad dressing instead of French fries.
• Drink a fruit smoothie made with whole fruit, ice cubes, and low-fat or fat-free yogurt.

Source: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/