June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month and we at SelectQuote believe is it truly something to celebrate. Raising awareness of the importance of fruits and vegetables is extremely important for many reasons. In the United States, the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables ranges from zero to three. This shocking statistic exemplifies that Americans do not consume enough fruits and veggies. Why is this important, you ask? Well tell you.
The number one cause of death and reduction of quality of life is heart disease. Heart disease can include conditions that affect the heart like coronary heart disease, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. There are many ways to prevent heart disease from affecting your own life like controlling high blood pressure, exercising, being smoke-free, and (yeah, you guessed it) eating more fruits and vegetables.Research has proven that if you increase your intake of raw fruits and vegetables by just three servings each day, the chances of experiencing heart disease and stroke will decrease. In fact, each increment of three daily servings of fruit and vegetables equates to a 22% decrease in risk of stroke, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. This percentage might seem like a small number, but we all know that in this day in age we need all the help we can get.
In a world where many things are unpredictable, it is important to be able to make decisions that can positively affect our lives and foster both mental and physical growth. It is a common conception that fruits and vegetables are more expensive than other foods. While this may be true in most cases, buying these power foods is an investment. You are investing in your life, which should be prioritized above all. Plus, there are ways to save money on purchasing these foods for you and your family. Farmers markets typically sell fruits and veggies in large quantities for cheaper prices than chain markets. Not only is a farmers market a good place to get your greens, but it is also a fun activity for you and your loved ones. You can click on this link to find a farmers market near you. Another way to save is to go to the grocery store on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when prices are typically lower.
As you approach these Summer months, do it with fruits and vegetables in your belly and in your fridge. Stock up on vegetables rich in color and give the kids a bowl of fruit for a snack instead of chips. Encourage your friends and family to join you in your venture towards a healthier lifestyle!