When our mothers told us to eat our fruits and vegetables, they
were giving us great advice. Fruits and vegetables are an
essential part of our diet, providing a wide range of vitamins
and minerals that serve important functions in the body. Many
people, however, are still deficient in their intake. Not
getting the message Over the last several years, the U.S.
Department of Health has recommended eating at least five
portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Yet, only one in seven
people achieve this quota. In fact, one-third of American adults
eat only two servings of fruits and vegetables a day and are
four times more likely to choose a processed snack instead. On
any given day, about half the population eats no fruit at all. A
bushel of reasons There is a rainbow of reasons to eat a variety
of colors from the produce aisle. Fruits and vegetables are
virtually fat free, low in salt and an excellent source of
fiber. Some fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and
cantaloupe, provide vitamin A, which maintains