veggie-mon

All fruits and 100% fruit juices are included in the Fruit group. Types of fruits include berries, melons, citrus, and mixed fruits as well as apples, bananas, and other fruits that you may think of.

Fruit provides many healthy benefits. People who include more fruits and vegetables in their diets are less at risk of developing various chronic diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure , diabetes , kidney disease, certain cancers , and obesity .

Fruits are an important source of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A , potassium, and folic acid, which are essential for good health. Fruits are also a good source of fiber and carbohydrate s.

• Potassium helps maintain a healthy blood pressure. It also helps maintain the proper balance of water in the body. Fruits high in potassium include bananas, prunes, cantaloupe, and orange juice.
• Dietary fiber from fruits helps reduce the level of blood cholesterol and may lower the risk of heart disease. Fiber helps move material through our intestines efficiently, and promotes healthy tissues in our digestive tract. Foods with lots of fiber help make us feel fuller, with less calories than some other foods.
• Vitamin C is an important nutrient for growth and repairing body tissues. Vitamin C helps the body heal cuts and scrapes faster, and helps keep the teeth and gums healthy.
• Vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth, skin, and bones.
• Folic acid helps the body make red blood cells. This is an especially important nutrient for women of childbearing age, because it reduces the risk of certain birth defects during pregnancy.
• Carbohydrates break down during digestion to provide the sugars that the body uses as fuel.

Most fruits are low in fat, sodium, and calories, and none have cholesterol (unless you add extra sauces or sugar!) This makes them a very healthy choice for snacks and mealtimes.