Eat Smart Be Fit | The University of Maryland

Fruits & Veggies: Selecting Fruits and Vegetables

Men and women need many fruits and vegetables in their diets. You can find out exactly how many servings are recommended for you at this site. A serving is one medium sized piece of fruit, one cup of salad greens, or 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are especially important for people who have a higher risk of developing heart disease or cancer. High risk groups include men and African Americans. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may decrease your risk of cancer and other disease. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting fruits and vegetables:
Tip 1: Buy in season	Eat fruits and vegetables in season for a healthy diet! Cheaper and more nutritious, those in season are great choices!
Tip 2: Select for color and variety	Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is the healthy way to go. Color means nutrition and variety in all foods is good for a balanced diet. Find out what color and variety can do for your health.
Tip 3: Select fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and nutrients	The powerhouse fruits and vegetables - those bright and rich in color - are highest in vitamins and nutrients and can really make a difference in your diet! Click here to learn more.