Benefits
Sadly, if potatoes are excluded, most Americans eat only three servings of vegetables and fruits per day, missing out on clear, significant health benefits to the heart, digestive system and more. The whole body benefits from a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. Not only do they serve as a superior source of vitamins and minerals, they are also low in calories and an excellent source of water. Vegetables have a low glycemic index and fruits, while generally higher glycemic index foods, have lower glycemic loads, thus protecting against obesity and diabetes. Vegetables and fruits are also great sources of antioxidants (an enzyme or other organic substance, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues) and therefore protect against many chronic diseases in general. Specific organ systems have also shown clear benefits to consumption of these foods.
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