Eat More Fruits and Vegetables — Today and Every Day!

Happy Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day! You’ve no doubt read many times about the health benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies, but now there’s one more reason to load your plate with these health-giving foods. With the beautiful spring weather finally here, now’s the perfect time to visit your local farmer’s market or the produce section of your grocery store. Here are some fruits and vegetables to look for now and in the coming months. We love them all so much, they’re featured in our three blends!

1. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it belongs to the cabbage family. Like its cousins Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, broccoli stimulates detoxification pathways in the body, which is why diets high in crucifers are linked to reduced cancer risk.[i] Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals too. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and fiber, and a good source of vitamins B2, B6, and pantothenic acid, plus the minerals phosphorus, potassium, and manganese.
2. Beets are high in nitrates, which are linked to lower blood pressure, as well as increased strength and fitness. That’s what makes beet juice a favorite among athletes. Beets are an excellent source of folate and manganese, as well as a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
3. Spinach, like beets, contains nitrates, so it can help lower blood pressure. Raw spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, and a good source of folate, vitamin C, and manganese.

1. Blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant contents of all fruits.[i] Like blueberries, these dark beauties are linked to mental alertness, and they also promote healthy skin. Blackberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber, plus they’re a good source of copper.
2. Raspberries, like most berries, are high in polyphenols associated with good heart health and improved memory. Raspberries are also rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, as well as being a good source of vitamin K.
3. Red grapes, like the wine made from them, contain resveratrol, a phytonutrient associated with heart health. Grapes are also rich in vitamins C and K and are a good source of copper.

1. Pineapple contain bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese.
2. Cherries come in sweet and sour varieties. Tart cherries are a rare dietary source of melatonin, which is why some people drink tart cherry juice to help them fall asleep. Different varieties of cherries have different nutritional profiles, but sweet and sour cherries are good or excellent sources of vitamin C, respectively, and the acerola cherry has an astounding 134 percent of the daily value (DV) in just one fruit!
3. Peaches are a stone fruit, meaning they have a large pit inside. Stone fruits contain polyphenols — phytonutrients that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.[1] One type of polyphenols present in peaches, known as flavonoids, help protect skin against free radical damage. On the nutrient front, peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C.

And remember – Juice Plus+ can help make eating more fruits and vegetables easy, today and every day! What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable to eat in late spring or early summer? Share with us in the comments below!

References
[1] Magee E. The super-veggies: Cruciferous vegetables. WebMD. 2007. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/super-veggies-cruciferous-vegetables#1
[1] Simms D. Blackberry facts: 10 things you may not know about the fruit. Huffington Post Canada. 2017 Feb 21. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/31/blackberry-facts_n_2581622.html
[1] Peaches, plums, nectarines give obesity, diabetes slim chance. Science Daily. 2012 Jun 18. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618132921.htm
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