News

Friday, September 17, 2010

Starting the year off right

A message from Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department

Looking for a successful school year? Eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. Research shows eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can help children do bettering school. Following are ten reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables:

1. Vitamin and mineral rich. Fruits and veggies help you feel healthy and energized. They are nutritious and delicious.
2. Improved Academic performance. Eating fruits and vegetables has been shown to be an important factor in academic performance.
3. Better behavior. A healthy diet can affect behavior in children and adolescents.
4. Color and texture. Fruits and veggies add appeal to your plate.
5. Convenience. Fruits and veggies are healthy in many forms-fresh, frozen, dried, canned, 100 percent juice, so they are ready when you are.
6. Fiber. They provide fiber that help fill you up.
7. Low in calories.
8. May reduce disease risk. Such as heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
9. Quick snack. Nature’s fast food!
10. Fun to eat. Fruits and vegetables may add crunch, sweet and fun to your meal.