Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day lowers your risk of stroke by 31 percent, according to a recent Harvard University study. Since stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., this advice shouldn’t be taken lightly. And, many Americans don’t even eat half of that recommended amount.
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants–components known to reduce the risk of many major illnesses. Since raised blood pressure is the major cause of stroke, the blood pressure-lowering effect of potassium could be one of the major mechanisms contributing to the reduced risk of the disabling or fatal disease.
Potassium intake from fruits and vegetables may also inhibit free-radical formation, making potassium-rich foods a good preventative of many cancers.
A visible benefit of eating five servings or more a day of fruits and veggies is their ability to help you keep your weight in check. One serving is equivalent to one medium piece of fresh fruit, 1/2 cup of cut fruit, a cup of raw leafy greens, or 1/2 cup of other cooked vegetables, such as broccoli.
Refrigerate berries, citrus, and fruit with edible skin (like apples), as well as veggies, to preserve their natural antioxidants. Eat servings from at least three different color groups (including green, orange/yellow, red, white, and blue/purple) to ensure you get a wide variety of nutrients daily.
If you roam through Garden Harvest Supply’s selection of fruit and vegetable plants, you’ll find an overwhelming variety of enticing plants to grow–and don’t be afraid to try new ones! Fresh-picked produce really does taste better than any processed, store-bought foods. Even the most finicky eaters will tempted to try new foods if they pick them off the vine. And, gardening provides the relaxation and calorie-burning activity necessary to offset the stresses of everyday living, another benefit of growing your own.
Garden Harvest Supply makes it easy to garden using all-natural products, so your produce will not only taste better, but your meals won’t contain the chemical insecticides and artificial ingredients used to speed food to store shelves.
If you have never grown your own, try experimenting with nutrient-rich kale and collards, beets and radishes, and squash, eggplants and cukes. Not only are all these plants easy to grow but they are a gold mine for good health and great meals! And for dessert, why not pick your own cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries to create the tastiest fruit salad ever?