Most everyone has heard by now that people need five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that our bodies need, as well as being good sources of dietary fiber.
However, they also contain important substances called antioxidants and phytochemicals. Antioxidants and phytochemicals are disease-fighting compounds that help prevent cell damage in our bodies. Cellular damage leads the pathway for a person to age, or develop cancer or other diseases, so it is vital that we include foods in our diet that are made of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Foods that contain these compounds are called functional foods.
Some common functional foods that a person should include in his/her diet are broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, green tea, soy products, whole grain breads, oranges, and hot peppers, just to name a few. One class of functional foods that are loaded with good nutrition is berries. There is a huge selection of berries available, especially during the summer months. Berries may be eaten raw and are great sources of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, as well as antioxidants. The most common berries consumed include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries; however there are many other kinds available.
When selecting berries, stay away from berries with juice stains or that are wrinkled and dehydrated. In general, they should be firm, dry, and well-shaped. Berries should also be eaten within a week, but they do freeze well in case you cannot eat them that soon. Avoid washing the berries until right before eating to prevent from molding.
We Can!
We Can! has tips and tools to help your family stay healthy. This national program is designed for families and communities to help children maintain a healthy weight. The program focuses on three important behaviors: improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time. Learn how your family can start living more healthfully today.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
When you first discover you are pregnant you may feel like eating everything in sight! But, though you are "eating for two", you still need to make sure you maintain a good diet with a range of foods. Eating right is particularly important when you are pregnant so that you can give your baby the best start in life. But, how can you be sure you're eating the right foods and getting all the necessary vitamins, such as folic acid?
Don't sweat these decisions when you can consult with registered dietitians at Woman's Hospital. They can help you make the right nutritional choices during your pregnancy
For more information, contact Woman's Nutritional Services at 225-924-8451.
Keep in mind fruits and vegetables help fight off disease and fill our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals.
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