Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables make up half of MyPlate. Almost 75% of Americans do not eat enough fruits or vegetables, however. Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle because they are great sources of nutrients. Research shows that people who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories, and contain no cholesterol. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals can be an easy change that makes a big difference in your health. 

When choosing fruit, think about using whole fruit rather than fruit juice. Whole fruit has more nutrients, especially fiber. When choosing vegetables, think about a variety. Eating a variety of vegetables is important because the different colors and types have different nutrients. Generally, vegetables are divided into groups based on nutrients. These groups are dark green, starchy, red and orange, beans and peas (see the protein section for more information), and other. Dark green, red, and orange vegetables are especially full of nutrients.