The Produce for Better Health Foundation explains that fruits and vegetables provide a number of nutrients that are necessary to your body for health and to reduce disease. You can eat all varieties of prepared fruits and vegetables, from frozen or canned to dried or fresh. Eating all different colors of fruits and vegetables helps you to obtain various nutrients. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans tell people to eat more of this food group than any other because of the health benefits they contain.
Fiber
According to MayoClinic.com, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. Fiber is necessary for your body, as it helps regulate your digestive system and has been shown to decrease your chances of developing diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Soluble fiber can also lower your cholesterol and sugar levels. Additionally, fiber can help you lose and maintain your weight, as it helps you stay fuller longer. Specifically, MayoClinic.com says apples, oranges, pears, berries and bananas are good fruit fiber sources and many vegetables, including broccoli and carrots, are high in fiber. Keep the skins on your fruit and vegetables, as peeling or cutting them off takes away a good portion of the fiber.
Vitamins
Fruits and vegetables provide many essential vitamins. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet is smart, as different types will provide varying vitamins. Vitamins A and C are found in a number of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A helps your body fight infections and benefits your skin and eyes. Apricots, cantaloupe, cabbage, carrots, grapefruit and tomatoes are some of the fruits and vegetables with high amounts of vitamin A. Strong sources of vitamin C include broccoli, cauliflower, kiwi, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and strawberries. Vitamin C is important for your teeth and gums, and is essential in helping your body take care of wounds. Asparagus, peas and strawberries have Folate, a B vitamin that is especially important for pregnant women.
Minerals
Fruits and vegetables contain many types of minerals as well. Collard greens and spinach have calcium, which is important for your muscles, glands, nerves, teeth and bones. Spinach and apricots contain iron, which helps your blood and cells work. Spinach, squash and artichokes are strong sources of magnesium, a mineral that works for your enzymes and bones. Apricots, bananas and broccoli are some of the fruits and vegetables containing potassium, which helps regulate your blood pressure.
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