Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Where Do Our Nutrients Come From?

Do you know where your nutrients come from? Here are some fruits and vegetables that provide the highest amounts of various nutrients:

Sources of vitamin A (carotenoids)

  • Orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin
  • Dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards, turnip greens
  • Orange fruits like mango, cantaloupe, apricots
  • Tomatoes

Sources of vitamin C

  • Citrus fruits and juices, kiwi fruit, strawberries, cantaloupe
  • Broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes
  • Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, turnip greens, spinach

Sources of folate

  • Cooked dry beans and peas
  • Oranges
  • Dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, romaine lettuce,green peas

Sources of potassium

  • White or sweet potato, cooked greens (such as spinach), winter squash
  • Bananas, plantains, dried fruits such as apricots and prunes
  • Cooked dry beans (such as baked beans) and lentils
For better health, eat at least 2 - 3 servings of fruits and 4-5 servings of vegetables each day. Avoid processed foods and junk. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are purported to keep health problems away.


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