An apple a day really can keep the doctor away

Okay, we all know that our caregivers have always encouraged us to eat as many servings as we possibly can of fruits and vegetables. The truth is, as much as we don't like to think our elders may know something we don't, there is overwhelming evidence that show that they may just be on to something.

Not only do fruits and vegetables offer a much-needed supply of minerals, fibre, and vitamins, but they can actually keep the doctor away from diagnosing you with chronic diseases.

Now that you know more about the importance of fruits and vegetables, how do you get more into your diet? The key to fruits and vegetables choices is varying the colours to get the most balanced amount of the leafy greens and juicy fruits into your diet.

• Try out new fruits and vegetables to add variety. You may actually like some of those great foods that you swore you would never eat.
• Pick fruits that you can take with you on the go. It is easy to throw a yellow banana, red apple, and a tasty snack bag of orange carrots in your bag on the way out.
• Eat between 5 and 9 servings (more if you like it) each day to get the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
• You can also eat frozen, dried, and canned fruits and vegetables that can be quickly cooked and carried with you.

Marlene Veloso