The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables through their Fruits and Veggies Matter campaign. Health managers, nutritionists, consultants, and staff working with Head Start and other child development programs may use this information to educate staff and caregivers about the health benefits of eating nutritious meals.
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Fiber |
Benefits of Including Fruits and
Vegetables in Healthy Diets |
Recommended Fruits and
Vegetables for Healthy Diets |
Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects, including decreased risk of coronary artery disease. |
Excellent vegetable sources:
navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, lima beans, white beans, soybeans, split peas, chick peas, black eyed peas, lentils, artichokes |
Folate |
Benefits of Including Fruits and
Vegetables in Healthy Diets |
Recommended Fruits and
Vegetables for Healthy Diets |
Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman's risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect. |
Excellent vegetable sources:
black eyed peas, cooked spinach, great northern beans, asparagus |
Potassium |
Benefits of Including Fruits and
Vegetables in Healthy Diets |
Recommended Fruits and
Vegetables for Healthy Diets |
Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. |
Good fruit and vegetable sources:
sweet potatoes, tomato paste, tomato puree, beet greens, white potatoes, white beans, lima beans, cooked greens, carrot juice, prune juice |
Vitamin A |
Benefits of Including Fruits and
Vegetables in Healthy Diets |
Recommended Fruits and
Vegetables for Healthy Diets |
Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections. |
Excellent fruit and vegetable sources:
sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, kale, collard greens, winter squash, cantaloupe, red peppers, Chinese cabbage |
Vitamin C |
Benefits of Including Fruits and
Vegetables in Healthy Diets |
Recommended Fruits and
Vegetables for Healthy Diets |
Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keep teeth and gums healthy. |
Excellent fruit and vegetable sources:
red and green peppers, kiwi, strawberries, sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, broccoli, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, oranges, mangoes, tomato juice, cauliflower |
See also:
Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
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Fruit and Vegetable Benefits. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d. English.
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