It was recently brought to my attention that there has been some talk in the media lately about fruits and vegetables not being all that they are cracked up to be. Some things have been said about how they don't contain as many vitamins as people think and that antioxidants don't really do anything. My guess is that this information exists as a reaction to the Obama Administration's recent proposal for new school food standards.
There is actually a plethora of vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. And although I will admit that the media has exaggerated the benefits of antioxidants, it would still be a mistake to say that they have no benefit. We know that they are beneficial, but studies are still being done to pinpoint how big of an impact they have when it comes to preventing certain diseases.
Meanwhile I think anyone who reads or hears these comments and takes them to heart is unfortunately unaware of the real reasons we should be getting at least 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables a day. I'll give it to you in one word: fiber. Meat and junk food do not contain fiber. And those little fiber granola bars aren't going to cut it (I won't get into that right now, I could do a whole entire blog about it.) Our bodies need the fiber from fruits and veggies in order to cleanse our bodies on the inside, dragging toxins out and regulating our bodies. Also when fiber is consumed it lowers the amount of cholesterol our bodies absorb after we eat not-so-healthy foods.
Without the right amount of fiber in the diet, people are more likely to succumb to all the major killers of Americans such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Yet the average American only reaches half of his or her fiber quota.... and that's on a good day. A good way to reach that quota is to eat more fruits and veggies. They are loaded with fiber! Fiber is also filling. Which brings me to my next reason why fruits and veggies are so important. If you really eat those 2 cups of fruits and those 3 cups of vegetables in a day, you won't be hungry for any junk food! And that will save you a whole slew of other problems.
Don't believe everything you hear in the media. Stick with what has always been true: fruits and veggies are essential in maintaining a healthy body. Getting your fiber from them and filling up on them is crucial. And take it from someone who works in an elementary school, new school food standards are definitely in order.
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3 comments:
Spot on. People cannot get their food guidelines strictly from the the government and especially not from the media. Keep in mind that these are only 'guidelines' and people need to take it upon themselves to read a little about what they are putting into their body.
Best of: Fiber
High in Fiber
Fruits and vegetables that contain 5 grams or more fiber per reference amount (20% or more of the Daily Value per reference amount) qualify to carry the label “high in fiber.”
Apple
Blackberries
Lentils
Lima Beans
Pear
Pigeon Peas
Pink Beans
Pinto Beans
Raspberries
Spinach
Small White Beans
Winged Beans
Good Source of Fiber
Fruits and vegetables that contain 2.5 grams but less than 5 grams fiber per reference amount (10-19% of the Daily Value per reference amount) qualify to carry the label “good source of fiber.”
Artichoke
Banana
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Chickpeas
Dates
Figs
Figs, Dried
Green Beans
Guavas
Kiwifruit
Onions
Oranges
Peas, Split
Plums, Dried
Sweet Potato
White Beans
And more for your reading pleasure:
Why eat MORE fruits and veggies?
Color & Texture. Fruits and veggies add color, texture … and appeal … to your plate.
Convenience.Fruits and veggies are nutritious in any form - fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice,
so they’re ready when you are!
Fiber. Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive
system happy.
Low in Calories. Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
May Reduce Disease Risk. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
Vitamins & Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel
healthy and energized.
Variety. Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety…there’s always
something new to try!
Quick, Natural Snack. Fruits and veggies are nature’s treat and easy to grab for a snack.
Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel … some you don’t, and some grow
right in your own backyard!
Fruits & Veggies are Nutritious AND Delicious!
Tim and I prep stuff w/ friends like shakes all the time! Makes me not want to eat those processed cheez its
Thanks Katie! That was great.
"Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel … some you don’t, and some grow
right in your own backyard!"
VERY good point. :] I'm going to share this part with my preschoolers. They don't quite understand when you tell them something is healthy. But start talking about crunch and squirt and things growing in their backyard and they will take up and interest in eating fruits and veggies!
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