Are you getting enough veggies in your diet? How about your kids? Do you eat the dark, leafy or brightly colored ones?
Probably not. According to a recent study, the USDA’s Economic Research Service found that potatoes and tomatoes, either frozen or processed, account for about half the vegetables available for U.S. consumption. Lettuce (unfortunately not the dark, leafy kind) brings that total amount to around 60 percent of the vegetables available.
As a result, Americans may not be getting the wide variety of veggies recommended for optimal vitamins and nutrition. The USDA recommends a daily assortment of dark, leafy greens, along with brightly colored vegetables. Daily recommended amounts are:
- Children, 2 to 3 years: 1 cup
- Children, 4 to 8 years: 1.5 cups
- Children/teens, 9 to 18 years: 2.5 to 3 cups
- Adults: 2.5 to 3 cups
Fresh veggies are great, but remember that 100% pure vegetable juices, as well as cooked, frozen, canned or dried/dehydrated versions also count, too!
(Courtesy of Food Network’s Healthy Eats)
Keep up with Children’s Urology news by following us on Facebook.