Eat From the Rainbow
Fruits and veggies are very good for you. They have no cholesterol and little saturated fat, which makes them great for your heart! So, eat your fruits and veggies and aim for 5-9 servings per day.
How much is a cup serving?
1 cup of chopped fruit or vegetables
1 cup of 100% fruit or veggie juice
2 cups of leafy vegetables
½ cup of dried fruit
What’s in fruits and vegetables?
- Vitamins and minerals such as: Vitamins C and E to help fight heart disease and cancer.
- Folate to prevent some birth defects and protect against heart disease.
- Vitamin A for good eyes. It helps you avoid macular degeneration.
- Calcium and magnesium for strong bones.
- Iron to prevent anemia.
- Potassium to regulate blood pressure.
- Fiber to keep blood sugar levels steady, lower cholesterol, and help prevent colon cancer.
- Fruits and vegetables also contain plant chemicals, called phytochemicals. These help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Variety and color is key! Eat a variety of fruits and veggies to get the greatest benefit. The darker and the deeper the color the better! Go for: dark green broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and romaine lettuce are rich in folate, which reduces the risk of heart disease, birth defects, macular degeneration, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
Orange/yellow Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, oranges, and winter squash all have vitamin C and beta-carotene that can help stop the spread of cancer cells.
Red: peppers, grapes, grapefruit, watermelon, tomatoes, and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants to help fight cancer. Cranberries also promote urinary health.
Blue/Purple: blueberries, blackberries, plums, and grapes are rich in antioxidants that may help fight gastrointestinal cancers.
Easy Ways to Get Plenty a Day!
When using frozen vegetables, steam, microwave, or sauté them with a little garlic and olive oil. Buy prewashed and peeled baby carrots: wash again before eating. These make great snacks that kids love! Put leftover vegetables in soups or omelets. Munch on raw veggies while you’re fixing dinner. Put berries on cereal, pancakes or yogurt. Snack on dried and fresh fruits.
Information adapted from Food and Health Communications.
Contributing author, Barb Miller, County Extension Agent.
For more information contact Lethia Lee, EFNEP Assistant with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at 910-592-7161.