Fruits and vegetables
Which foods count?
What are the key nutrients?
- Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and veggies; 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice
What are the key nutrients?
- Potassium: an important electrolyte for cellular function; helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Vitamin C: contributes to healthy skin and gums; enhances iron absorption; may aid in immune function.
- Vitamin A: essential for healthy eyes and skin.
- Fiber: promotes satiety and is essential for digestive tract health. Fiber may also lower cholesterol and lessen the risk of heart disease.
What's a serving?
To learn more about eating fruits and vegetables seasonally, click here. |
References:
- Fruits. United States Department of Agriculture website. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/fruits.html
- Vegetables. United States Department of Agriculture website. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/vegetables.html
Images in header used under Creative Commons license, from left to right:
Pears: https://flic.kr/p/dVPZt8Raw Veggies: https://flic.kr/p/4MUXkR
Limes: https://flic.kr/p/wVRAu
Salad Greens: https://flic.kr/p/6ThwMw
Berries: https://flic.kr/p/aivxem
Portion size photos:
Potato: http://pickyeaterblog.com/be-a-picky-eater-watch-your-portions/
Broccoli: http://dining2014.csit.unc.edu/PortionSizesandConversions
Apple: http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/02/22/portion-control-use-visual-cues-to-remember-serving-sizes/
Blueberries: http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/02/14/how-much-fruit-should-you-eat/
Pears: https://flic.kr/p/dVPZt8Raw Veggies: https://flic.kr/p/4MUXkR
Limes: https://flic.kr/p/wVRAu
Salad Greens: https://flic.kr/p/6ThwMw
Berries: https://flic.kr/p/aivxem
Portion size photos:
Potato: http://pickyeaterblog.com/be-a-picky-eater-watch-your-portions/
Broccoli: http://dining2014.csit.unc.edu/PortionSizesandConversions
Apple: http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/02/22/portion-control-use-visual-cues-to-remember-serving-sizes/
Blueberries: http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/02/14/how-much-fruit-should-you-eat/