Did you know that 87% of Americans don’t consume enough vegetables, and 76% fall short on fruit intake? That’s a staggering statistic considering how essential these foods are for health, digestion, and overall well-being.
I get it—when I was a kid, I thought vegetables were slimy, mushy, and just plain gross. My mom boiled everything until it was nearly unrecognizable, and I had to drown broccoli in mayonnaise just to tolerate the taste. And salads? Forget it! I’d sit at the dinner table until 11:00 PM refusing to eat anything raw and green.
Why Fruits & Vegetables Matter for Your Health
Fast forward to today—I love vegetables! (Okay, maybe not salads due to allergies, but you get the point.) Once I learned better cooking methods and the science behind nutrition, I understood the power of colorful fruits & vegetables in our diet.
Here’s why fresh fruits and vegetables should be a daily priority:
- Nutrient Powerhouses: Packed with essential vitamins & minerals for overall body function
- Fiber for Gut Health: Acts like a “roto-rooter” for digestion, keeping intestines clean and supporting good gut bacteria
- Chlorophyll Benefits: Found in green veggies like spinach, broccoli, and asparagus, chlorophyll acts as a natural internal deodorizer
- Balances pH Levels: Green vegetables help shift your body toward an alkaline state, reducing inflammation, yeast overgrowth, and bone density loss
- Hydration Boost: Naturally high in water content, fresh produce supports hydration and overall health
How Much Do You Really Need?
On average, you should aim for:
- 9 servings of vegetables per day (1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked = 1 serving)
- 2 servings of fruit per day (1 cup of blueberries or 1 whole apple = 1 serving)
It may sound like a lot, but adding a big salad to one meal can help you reach your daily veggie intake quickly. Plus, non-starchy vegetables won’t cause weight gain—unlike potatoes and grains, especially when loaded with cheese or gravy!
Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day (and Beyond!)
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, challenge yourself to eat more green veggies! Whether it’s fresh spinach in a smoothie, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed asparagus, your body will thank you.
What’s your favorite way to eat veggies? Let me know in the comments!
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB is a Doctor of Chiropractic, certified clinical nutritionist, and brain wellness expert with 34+ years serving Fresno families at The Natural Path Health Center.
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