WHY FIVE-A-DAY?
WHY FIVE-A-DAY?
Your mother was right. Eat your vegetables (and fruits). By now, most of us have heard the universal recommendation of "5-A-DAY" (fruit and vegetable servings) for better health. However, many people may still not completely understand why.Secret Chemicals for Your Health
Most people probably know that there is a whole host of vitamins, minerals, and fiber within these food groups, but there are other reasons, called phytochemicals, which many may not yet know about.
Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are those things present in plant foods other than those we already know of as nutrients. More and more of these plant chemicals are being discovered all of the time. Research is showing these substances to be highly powerful in the prevention, treatment, and (in some cases) cure of many disease states.
Foods With Added Benefits
Those substances proving to be particularly high in phytochemicals are those with deeper pigments, such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, etc. Though many supplement companies claim to have products that contain phytochemicals, studies have yet to show that any of these substances remain active or are even present at all in these products. There are still a lot of components in the "whole food" sources we have not even been able to research that might be essential for good health and longevity.
Scientific Beliefs
Scientists believe that the synergistic effect of all components, within the food, produce the protective and curing effects. The bottom line: Food in its freshest "whole" form is still preferred for short- and long-term benefits. Also, keep in mind that 5-A-Day is a minimum recommendation (derived from the minimal recommended Food Guide Pyramid intakes).
Try Something New
Those people who are not particularly fond of fruits and vegetables can begin to experiment with those that they have not yet tried. They can also try working them into other foods, such as casseroles, pastas, meatloaves, etc., where they may be successfully disguised.
Consider that your health benefit may out-weigh your dining risk!
