A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has significant health advantages.  Fruits and vegetable consumption has been heralded for its ability to decrease the overal risk of developing major diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.  Each fruit and vegetable has a unique combination and concentration of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, therefore a large variety in an individual's diet provides the greatest advantage.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved each year if fruit and vegetable consumption were increased.

Potent antioxidants and nutrients from fruits and vegetables decrease cell damage.  Intake of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for people of all ages, however seniors are at greater risk for cellular damage than younger people.

A study from the Harvard School of Public Health has found that eating at least two servings per week of spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables may significantly cut the risk of developing cataracts.  Cataracts are one of the world's major causes of blindness, with an estimated 50 million people in the world being blind due to them.  The first line of defense is to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Another reason to eat fruits and vegetables comes from recent data from the National Eye Institute concluding that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration by about 25%.  These same nutrients also reduce the risk of vision loss caused by advanced AMD by about 19%.  Age-related macular degeneration(AMD) is a slow, progressive, and painless condition that affects the macula, the small central part of the retina that allows you to see fine detail clearly.  Despite all we know and our best intentions to eat well, it is difficult to eat the way we should each day.


   

Pictures courtesy of USDA Online Photography Center