March is National Nutrition Month
Make Good Nutrition a Way of Life

"Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases."

The month of March, National Nutrition Month, is a perfect time to think about, then put into practice, this dietary guidance from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation, a Delaware-based nonprofit group (www.5aday.gov), offers these pointers about eating colorful fruits:

• Every fruit and vegetable has a unique assortment of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant compounds). The best way to maximize the health promoting benefits of fruits and vegetables is to get a variety.
• Color is an easy way to think about variety, which is central to good nutrition.
• Vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals are present in varying amounts in the different color groups: blue/purple, green, white, yellow/orange, and red.
• Variety within and between color groups is essential in order to reap all of the health-promoting benefits fruits and vegetables have to offer.
• Most people tend to eat the same fruits or vegetables every day—strive to have something from each color group daily, and then vary the choices you make within each group every day.
• Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables adds much along the lines of nutrients and phytochemicals without adding a lot of calories.
• The Color Way can aid in weight control efforts because fruits and vegetables generally contain fewer calories than foods that are high in fat or have a lot of added sugars. Calorie for calorie fruits and vegetables are considered a real nutritional bargain.
• The vibrant colors that many fruits and vegetables have are a result of the numerous phytochemicals and other plant compounds they contain; however, not all phytochemicals produce color.

For more information about eating well, please visit the Health and Wellness section of our web site. You can also visit the Services section of our site to learn more about Congregate Meals and Home Delivered Meals programs.