Discover the Health Benefits of Produce

Your mother told you to eat your fruits and vegetables – and you should listen to mom. Research suggests eating enough fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases and may help protect against certain types of cancer. Despite these health benefits, most people don't eat enough produce. It's a shame, too, because if prepared without adding fats or sugars, fruits and vegetables are relatively low in calories. As a result, eating more of them may help you achieve and keep your healthy weight.

Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, fruits and vegetables are major sources of nutrients we need – but we often don't eat enough of them. Since the nutrients in fruits and vegetables vary, it's important to eat a variety. Opt for dark-green, red and orange vegetables, and beans and peas.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit. Here are some tips on how you can add more produce to your meals:

• Keep frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables on hand, especially when fresh produce isn't in season. Buy canned fruit that's packed in juice for less added sugars and calories, and choose low-sodium canned vegetables.

• Try new types of fruits and vegetables and prepare them in different ways. Texture is everything when it comes to sandwiches, so experiment with veggie toppings like raw cucumber, avocado slices or pickled carrots. Add flavor to breakfast by topping oatmeal, frozen waffles or cereal with berries or banana slices. Create a guilt-free dessert with fresh fruit or serve it as a topping on low-fat yogurt.

• Many children and young adults drink more than half of their fruit as juice, which often contains a significant amount of added sugar. Whole fruit contains fiber and other nutrients without the added sugar. When drinking juice, make sure it is 100-percent juice, without the added sugars.

For more tips on improving your health through nutrition and foods that taste great, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area and learn more at the Academy's Cooking Tips and Trends section.