Fruits & Veggies: Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables

berries

 

 

 

vegetables

Some fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than others and are sometimes called "powerhouse fruits and vegetables," that is why it is important to add a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables to your diet!

A good way to recognize powerhouse fruits and vegetables is by color- the brighter and richer the color, the more nutrient packed.

Powerhouse fruits and vegetables have vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and vision problems. Here are some tips to help you fit "powerhouse fruits and vegetables" into your diet:

  • Eat a spinach salad with citrus fruits (such as oranges) for lunch, or as part of dinner
  • Stir-fry red peppers and broccoli for dinner and serve with whole-grain rice
  • Snack on carrot sticks between meals
  • Eat a peach or some berries after meals instead of a sweet dessert
citrus fruits

Powerhouse vegetables fall into one of four groups:

Bright citrus fruits

Oranges
Grapefruit
Tangerines
Lemons
Limes

Deep yellow or orange

Cantaloupe
Sweet potatoes
Squash
Carrots
Peaches

Dark green

Spinach
Kale
Broccoli

Black, blue, and red

Red peppers
Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries



University of Maryland
Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland!
Public Health Informatics
FSNEP
Maryland Cooperative Extension