Fruits And Vegetables !!

[Tim Wescott]

Today's Topic: Apples Are Not Good Enough

How's that to challenge the old adage about an apple a day keeping the
doctor away? According to a recent article, the most popular fruits
and vegetables don't have the nutrients found in other choices.
Apples, bananas, iceberg lettuce, potatoes and corn should be replaced
with dark green leafy, deep yellow-orange, and cruciferous vegetables
along with citrus fruits.

Although identified as a new research study, this was a commentary
(meaning the opinion of the authors) in the March 2004 Journal of the
American Dietetic Association.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Although the recommended
fruits and vegetables do, indeed, contain more nutrients than more
popular choices, the fact remains that people who eat the most fruits
and vegetables are the healthiest in study after study. We don't know
if it is because they are eating more of any specific fruits and
vegetables. So the current advice of getting your daily servings from
a variety of sources is still the best.

[Tim Wescott]

Greens and Heart Disease:

People with higher levels of lutein in their blood also have healthier (i.e., less clogged) arteries. Lutein is a yellow pigment found in egg yolks, spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, and oranges. It is part of the carotenoid family of nutrients. The artery-protective nature of lutein is yet one more reason why a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent heart disease.

Tip: If you are not a vegetable-lover, try chopping up some kale or spinach and adding it to spaghetti sauce or meat loaf. You will not taste it, but you will still get all its benefits.