Which is Better for Your Nutrition and Health Fruit or Vegetables?

When it comes to nutrition and health, we all want to improve our eating habits and be healthier.  There is a lot of talk about taking in the recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies, but which is better for your health?  Should you be more focused on taking in the recommended amount of the category in the form of fruits or vegetables?  

The truth is, when you look at the traditional food pyramid, the two are closely linked together.  Therefore, it is certainly best to eat both fruits and vegetables.  Both offer a number of benefits to your body, including the ability to reduce the risk of some cancers, reducing the risk of eye problems, lower blood pressure, and more. 

But when it comes down to it, the truth is that vegetables should certainly make up the bulk of the fruits and vegetables portion of your daily diet.

When it comes to vegetables, you should aim for at least three cups a day, with one and a half cups of fruit as well.  Try visiting your local farmer’s market for a healthy and cheap alternative to your local grocery store. Potatoes are high in carbs and don’t really count in this case, so you want to aim for healthier vegetables.  Leafy greens offer antioxidant properties as well as a wide range of nutrients, as do tomatoes.  Carrots are also excellent choices, as they are rich in beta carotene.  Dark green vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach and collard greens are very high in calcium.  Basically, the richer the color of the fruit or veg, the more vitamins and minerals it contains and the better it is for you.

Taking in enough fruits and vegetables can have a surprisingly powerful effect on your health, not only leaving you leaner, but leaving you far less susceptible to health problems like cancer and osteoporosis.  Take the time to learn the nutrition facts on an array of these foods and you might just find yourself happy to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into every meal.