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| Photo Source: USDA |
According to a recent study of over 70,000 adults, those who ate less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily were shown to have a 53 percent higher risk of dying compared to those who consumed 5 servings a day. These findings persisted even after factoring in gender, smoking status, body weight, and educational level. Past research has also suggested that a minimum of 5 servings ( 4 � cups) of produce daily can help you fight heart disease, certain cancers, and an expanding waist.
But an urban myth surrounding fruits and veggies is that their hefty price makes them a budget buster at the supermarket. The latest study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) busts this folklore as fruits and vegetables were found to be less expensive per serving than most protein foods (meat, poultry), as well as less healthy foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugars such as ice cream and soft drinks. Another USDA study found that the cost of 153 commonly consumed fresh and processed fruits and vegetables ranged from less than $0.20 to about $2 per cup consumed. Most fresh vegetables and fruits were less than $0.75 per cup.
I did some comparison shopping at a local Shaw's supermarket and confirmed that many higher calorie, saturated fat, and sugary foods were more expensive per serving than many fresh fruits and veggies. Here is what I found:
Granted if you are buying winter squash in the summer and fresh cantaloupe in the winter, you are going to pay a premium price for out-of-season produce. But if your fruit and veggies choices are in tune with the season, they don�t have to drain your wallet. Buying in-season, on sale, and at local farmers� markets can help you economically and healthfully consume adequate amounts of fruits and veggies daily, which may help you live longer.
Click here for a list of seasonal produce and farmers� markets in your area.
Follow Joan on Twitter at: joansalgeblake
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