The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. This column has sought to encourage you to celebrate this month by taking advantage of freshly picked fruits and vegetables that are making their way to our store grocery shelves.
The USDA recommends that we should use plant foods as the foundation of our meals. There are many ways to create a healthy eating pattern, but they all start with the three food groups at the base of the pyramid: grains, fruits and vegetables Eating a variety of grains (especially whole grain foods) fruits and vegetables is the basis of healthy eating.
The USDA recommends an average of 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Eating fruit provides health benefits, according to the USDA, as people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. USDA further notes these health benefits of fruits and vegetables:
Health Benefits
• Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
• Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
• Eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.
Beloved, this month add some color to your plate by eating your fruits and vegetables as a snack, on a salad or even in a smoothie!
Next Week: Neighborhood/ Community Gardens
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
