By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Mothers love to remind their kids to eat their fruits and vegetables. So does the Barton County Health Department. Emily, a dietician at the health department, said there are many benefits of eating fruits and vegetables year-round, but especially as winter approaches.
"We are getting to flu and cold season, so we do want to keep our immune systems up," she said. "Just helping boost our immune systems with those fruits and vegetables being rich in vitamins and minerals. Getting in lots of colors really helps to get a variety. They're high in fiber, which helps fill you up, and low in calories."
Red fruits and veggies contain lycopene, which helps reduce cancer and oxidation damage. Green items contain lutein for vision and vitamin K for blood clotting. Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene and vitamin A for eye health. Blue and purple veggies have anthocyanins for brain and heart health.
"Overall, getting in those fruits and vegetables helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, helps lower blood pressure, and prevents diabetes," Emily said. "It also helps prevent cancer and decreases inflammation."
The Centers for Disease Control recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. With fruits containing more sugars than vegetables, the CDC suggests consuming slightly more vegetables than fruits. Snacks like salsa, or eating veggies with ranch dressing or hummus, can help boost vegetable consumption.