The Role of Fruits & Vegetables in the Diet Jo Arpee, MS, RD Food Allergy News for Physicians
The primary role of fruits and vegetables in the diet is to provide vitamins A, C, and K as well as folic acid and the mineral potassium. Further, fruits and vegetables provide fiber, carbohydrates, and some trace minerals. Vegetables also provide small amounts of protein. In addition to nutrients, fruits and vegetables provide other substances, often called "phytochemicals," which may help in the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. If your child does not like a certain fruit or vegetable, try others that have similar nutritional value. For example, many fruits are high in vitamin C, so you can choose from oranges, strawberries, grapes, fresh pineapple, plums, or kiwis. Fruits high in beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body, include cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, and red bananas. Also, since many children prefer fruit to vegetables, one can substitute a fruit for a vegetable of comparable color and nutritional value. Strawberries and kiwis are high in vitamin C and also offer similar nutrition to broccoli. The fiber and vitamin C found in apples is similar to that of white potatoes. Cantaloupe can be substituted for sweet potatoes. Green melons can take the place of green squash. Offer children fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. Grapes come in green, red, and black varieties and are high in potassium and vitamin C. Sweet peppers come in a rainbow of colors and are higher in vitamin C than oranges. Plums and a new cross between apricots and plums called "pluots" come in wonderful colors, ranging from purple to green. Apples also come in a variety of colors. Children often prefer vegetables raw, and dips can be a parent's most useful trick. Dipping raw vegetables in an acceptable salsa dressing often makes these vegetables more appealing to a young child. The same may be done with fruit. Try offering slices of pear, apple, or peach with a small container of applesauce to dip them. Fruit and vegetable juices also count as servings. However, overconsumption of fruit juices can displace more nutrient-rich things in the diet. Further, fruit juice doesn't contain much--if any--fiber, which is a significant component of intestinal health. Vegetable juices also often contain high levels of sodium, as do canned vegetables. Fresh or frozen vegetables are better choices. Finally, remember that children's tastes may change over time; therefore, reintroduce fruits and vegetables that have been turned down in the past.
Privacy Notice: Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek, PC does not solicit nor sell any information provided by our site visitors. No patient information is required nor shared on this domain. The opinions and advice expressed by the resource links and physician advice resources provided by this website do not necessarily represent those of the physicians and staff within Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek, PC. Contact your physician with any questions or concerns.
