We believe that understanding food and nutrition is critical in ensuring a healthy life.
Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for the health and maintenance of your body.
- Vegetables are low-calorie and low-fat
- Vegetables are nutrient-dense
- Vegetables provide complex carbohydrates
- Vegetables allow you to fill up for less
- Vegetables help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Vegetables contain cancer-fighting phytochemicals
- Vegetables are low in sodium and cholesterol
Your mother always said, “eat your vegetables” and she was right – maybe in more ways than she knew. While you don’t have to go all veggie and become a strict vegetarian, one of the healthiest eating habits you can foster in your family is to eat more vegetables.
The foundation layers
The foundation layers of the Healthy Eating Pyramid include the three plant-based food groups:
Vegetables & Legumes
Fruits
Grains
These layers make up the largest portion of the Pyramid because plant foods should make up the largest portion of our diet – around 70% of what we eat!
Plant foods contain a wide variety of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also the main source of carbohydrates and fiber in our diet.
Older children, teens, and adults should aim to have at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables or legumes each day.
Source:
https://nutritionaustralia.org/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and-vegetables/
https://healthy-kids.com.au/food-nutrition/5-food-groups/vegetables/