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They're all around us in nature. The keys to our good health and reducing our risk of chronic diseases are all wrapped up in the nutritional value of common fruits and vegetables. Yet most Americans are not getting enough of these natural wonders in their diets. Nearly two-thirds of United States citizens are overweight or obese. With health care costs rising faster than inflation, the CDC is sounding the alarm that Americans must eat healthier diets.
 

Fruits and vegetables contain the fiber, vitamins, and minerals to protect you from a variety of chronic diseases. People who eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables have fewer cases of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Substituting them for high calorie, high saturated fat content foods can lower your risks and lower your weight.

Experts recommend you consume nine servings of fruit and vegetables per day if you are an average person on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. This equals 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day. They also recommend not including potatoes in your calculation and should be used sparingly in your diet.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can have considerable impact on your cardiovascular health. Harvard medical researches found that subjects who ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables had twenty percent lower cases of stroke and coronary artery disease. High blood pressure, a leading factor in the onset of heart disease, was found to be lowered significantly by following a high vegetable and fruit diet as well. (Source: Harvard School of Public Health, Nutrition Source)

The Harvard study also found a link to vegetable consumption and lower incidents of cataracts and macular degeneration, two conditions that impact the vision of millions of Americans over 65. Another benefit of a diet high in fruits and vegetables is the indigestible fiber content. Fiber passes through the digestive system, soaking up water and expanding. This process keeps the digestive system working properly, promotes regular bowel movements, decreases pressure in the intestinal tract, and minimizes the effects of an irritable bowel.

So, your mom was right all those years. Eat your vegetables. They are critical to your nutrition and your health.

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