Should You Add More Fresh Fruit to Your Diet?

March is National Nutritional Month. And whether one opts to send a nutritious edible fruit basket or adapt new eating habits, add these nutritional facts to your food basket. 

Which foods don’t fit the nutritional composite?
Food preparation plays a leading role in nutritional sustenance. Salt laden, deep fried foods, prepared using trans fat foods that should be limited in any diet.

For additional details about National Nutrition Month, please visit www.eatright.org/.

Which foods pack the greatest nutritional value? Organic raw vegetables and fruit pack the greatest sources of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.

What to look for in fruit?
Fruits loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Blackberries, strawberries, goji berries, raspberries, cherries are laden with antioxidants.

What are the best nutritional characteristics of vegetables?
Vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals just like fruit. In terms of nutritional value, vegetables follow the same rule of thumb that fruit does: vivid colors are generally richer in antioxidants. Among vegetables leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli present an abundance of vitamins and nutrients.

Are nuts really nutritious?
Nuts are loaded with nutrients and are also high in fat. Therefore, nuts should be consumed in moderation. A study at Purdue University found that the best nutritional value is derived from nuts when they are pureed. (Walnuts, almonds and sunflowers.)

Best preparation: Fruits and vegetable offer the best nutritional value when consumed raw. Tarts, fruit salads (optional sprinkled with pine nuts or almonds) and fruit served with yogurt represent three simple alternatives for incorporating fruit. (That’s why fruit baskets make for an ideal dinner gift).