Healthy Eating
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
 Why Should I Eat More Fruits and Vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. A
diet with lots of fruits and vegetables will
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Help you control your weight
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Reduce your blood pressure and the risk of stroke
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Help prevent certain cancers
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Protect your eyesight
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Relieve stomach and intestinal problems
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Help control Type 2 diabetes (adult onset diabetes)
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Taste great and add lots of variety to meals and
snacks
What are Anne Arundel County Residents Eating
Now? A recent study showed that 41% of adults are
eating 3 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Only 22% of
us are eating the minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables
every day.
Be Sure to Eat the Rainbow
Variety is important when it comes to fruits and vegetables. In
addition to vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables have
phytochemicals. These are plant substances that have health
benefits. They give plants color, aroma and flavor and help protect
the plant from viruses and fungi. By eating a wider variety of
fruits and vegetables, you can be sure of getting lots of different
phytochemicals which may reduce your risk of cancer. Think of eating
fruits and vegetables like eating the rainbow. Be sure to sample all
of the colors as often as you can.
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 Orange and Deep Yellow: Try sweet potatoes,
carrots, winter squash, oranges and peaches.
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Red: Try tomatoes, pink grapefruit and
watermelon.
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Dark Green: Try spinach, collards or turnip
greens.
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Purple, Dark Red and Blue: Try beets,
blueberries, red and purple grapes, cherries and eggplant.
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White: Try cauliflower, parsnips and turnips.
Before You Start:
Consult your physician or dietitian if you
have been told to follow a special diet or have food allergies or if
you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma
before making major changes in your diet.
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