Posted September 9, 2010
Vegetables and Fruits Are Beneficial for Good Oral Health and Vision
Recognizing September as Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month
Remember when your mom reminded you to eat your vegetables for a healthy and strong body?
Mom’s advice is still relevant today, and she still has a difficult time getting anyone to listen.
Nearly 90 percent of Americans – both children and adults – do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The United States Department of Health recommends that individuals eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables supplies your body with the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants you need to boost your immunity and maintain your healthy body. These nutrients also protect your oral health and lower the risk of eye diseases:
- Sink Your Teeth into Fruits and Vegetables: While produce provides many nutrients that are valuable to different parts of your body, the calcium and Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables is especially beneficial for healthy teeth and gums.
- Focus Your Eyes on Color. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce your chances of developing age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts or macular degeneration. Dark green leafy vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which also protect your eyes from disease. And vitamin A, which is found in bright yellow or orange vegetables, helps with night vision.
The next time you’re at the grocery store or the market, try out a new fruit or vegetable in addition to consuming a variety of the other produce items you already enjoy.
Do you eat five portions of fruits and vegetables every day? What is your favorite fruit or vegetable? How do you prefer to eat produce: cooked, fresh, canned, or frozen? I’ll gather your comments and post them in a future blog.