There is a Rainbow of Produce Out There

How many servings of color are in your diet? Studies• Magnesium. This essential mineral supports normal
show that people that consume a proper amount ofnerve function, as well as normal contraction and
fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of illnessesrelaxation of muscles. Sources: Apples, apricots,
such as heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, Typeavocados, bananas, leafy green veggies
II diabetes and hypertension.• Fiber. Diets high in fiber can keep heart disease,
Veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and turnipdiabetes, diverticular disease and constipation at bay.
greens, butternut squash, carrots, peppers, zucchiniSources: Apples, pears, berries, carrots, cucumbers,
and fruits such as oranges, apples, pears, berries,zucchini, celery and tomatoes. How much is enough?
bananas, and tomatoes are very rich in vitamins,On average 2-3 servings of fruit and 3-4 servings of
minerals and fiber. These nutrients will improvevegetables, depending on age and individual level of
nervous and muscular functions, boost the immuneactivity. This amounts to about 1/2 cup to a full cup
system, promote healthy eyes, aid in weight loss,of fruits or veggies per serving.
help fight chronic fatigue, and promote healthy eyes,Need some ideas?
skin, teeth and bones.• Add some spinach or tomatoes to your omelet
Colorful fruits and veggies contain high-octane• Try some berries or bananas in your cereal
essential vitamins, such as:• Have an apple with lunch
• Folate or folic acid. Folate is a B vitamin that• Use avocado instead of mayo on your turkey
helps produce and maintain new cells, helps makesandwich
new red blood cells, and helps prevent changes to• Add some color to your salad with tomatoes,
DNA that leads to cancer. Sources: Leafy greens,carrots and peppers
citrus fruits• Snack on baby carrots between meals
• Potassium. This aids in the transmission of nerve• Trade in your Idaho potatoes for a sweet
impulses, helps build healthy muscle, and promotespotato
healthy heart activity. Sources: Leafy green veggies,• Make a tropical fruit salad for a dessert
orange veggies, bananas, apricots, oranges andAs a general rule, whole foods are the best way to
avocadosget the full nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin A. This vitamin plays an important role inJuicing is another way to get these essential nutrients
the formation of bones and teeth, as well asin your diet, but not only do you lose the produce's
improves bight vision, promotes health skin, andnatural fiber in the process, but it's costly and time
assists in proper function of the immune system.consuming as well.
Sources: Leafy green veggies, carrots, butternutSupplements are quick and easy, however pills usually
squash, cantaloupe, mangocontain preservatives, and do not fully absorb into
• Vitamin C. This useful vitamin helps heal wounds,the body as readily as fresh fruits or vegetables
prevents cell damage, and strengthens the immunewould. So grab and banana, snack on some carrots,
system. Sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries,and experiment with different veggies.
leafy green veggies, red and green peppers