Get A Healthier, Leaner Body With Fruits and Vegetables

The unmistakable health benefits of vegetables and fruits have been documented in research studies.

For this reason, health institutes across the globe are in agreement that consumption of a minimum of five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits should be included in your daily dietary intake.

Well-known National Institutes of Health such as the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute have all instituted this piece of advice for those who want a healthier lifestyle.

Consuming specific vegetables and fruits help the body in building a resistance to and protection from the world's two most frightening and debilitating ailments - cancer and heart ailments.

However, certain vegetables and fruits provide more health benefits and nutrition than others. So, in order for you to reach your pinnacle, improve your appearance and feel as good as possible, eating additional fruits and vegetables is certainly a start, but eating specific varieties obtained through reliable suppliers will provide the highest level of nutrition and that will give you a jump start in boosting your immune system.

Which Selections Provide The Highest Nutrition?

Bananas, corn, iceberg lettuce, and potatoes rank among the more favored foods consumed today; however, while highly popular, they do not provide the body with a substantial amount of fiber and little to no antioxidant phytonutrients such as cruciferous, flavonoid and carotenoid.
Overall, these entrees are not considered particularly unhealthy, except when eaten overloaded with fat, fried or as a chip, but they are not nutritious enough to be included among the recommended five to nine servings. Nature has provided a number of varieties for you to choose from that are full of the nutrients the body needs.

To get the highest amounts of fiber, phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins make your selection from nature's most powerful vegetables, leafy varieties that are dark green in color. Chard, spinach, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, red pepper and romaine lettuce would be included in this grouping.

While virtually all fruits are good for you, peaches, oranges, red grapes, plums and berries rank highest in their body building potential.

Where Can The Ultimate Healthful Sources Be Found?

Organic produce straight from your local outlet is your best source. Getting produce from organic farms takes it straight from their gardens to your table without the use of toxic chemicals, which is not only better for you and is more flavorful, but is better for the atmosphere as well.

Enthusiasm in organic foods has steadily been on the rise and today, it is possible to purchase high quality produce from neighborhood co-ops, farmers markets as well as a number of the larger chain markets. If a co-op is not available in your neighborhood, creating one might be a consideration.

If you are unable to locate high-quality fresh organic produce, frozen produce is generally available at a number of the larger natural food markets or grocery store chains.

As a general rule, frozen outweighs canned in quality and benefits. The canning methods often utilized successful destroy the beneficial nutrients and tend to contain high levels of sugar and salt. Frozen follows the simple process of picking, washing and freezing all within a 24 hour timeframe which helps in locking in, not only the flavor, but the health benefits as well.

What Does It All Mean?

When it's all said and done, the primary goal is to consume five to nine on a daily basis.

Doing this one simple thing each and every day will not only help ward off diseases such as heart disease and cancer, but is also beneficial in weight and blood sugar control and lowers cholesterol levels.

Once you get started, the five to nine will only be the beginning, soon you will begin to crave the sweet flavor and filling feeling the right fruits and vegetables provide.