A Harvest of Healthy Veggies
(08/29/10) In many parts of the United States, the end of August signals the best time of year for locally grown, fresh, delicious vegetables. You’ve heard it over and over: eat more fruits and vegetables. But how many do you need? Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “calculator” to determine how many cups you need per day based on your age and gender.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help protect against chronic diseases. Individuals who consume generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of their healthy diet are likely to have reduced risk of such diseases as stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Take advantage of the CDC’s chart to see which nutrients contribute to your good health and which fruits and vegetables are good sources of these nutrients.

Take action. Hit those roadside stands for broccoli, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers. Never had turnips? Now is a great time to try them! Expand your menus—and improve your health—by filling your basket with more and more of August’s variety of veggies.