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• Vegetables are the parts of a non-woody (herbaceous) plant that are edible, such as the roots, leaves, buds, stems, tubers or seeds. The flesh that surrounds the seeds of a flowering plant, however, is not categorized as a vegetable. This ripened ovary is called a fruit.Princeton University: WordNet Rain Garden Network: Glossary Google Books: The Encyclopedia Britannica

• Fast Facts

  1. Generally high in vitamins, minerals and fiberMyPyramid.gov: Why Is It Important To Eat Vegetables?
  2. Typically low in calories and fat and have no cholesterolMyPyramid.gov: Why Is It Important To Eat Vegetables?
  3. Recommended daily amount varies with age,sex and activity levelsMyPyramid.gov: How Many Vegetables are Needed Daily or Weekly
  4. Fresh vegetables only keep their quality a few daysAlabama Cooperative Extension: Facts About Vegetables
  5. Largest U.S. fresh vegetable crops (2007): Onions, head lettuceUSDA: Vegetables 2007 Summary
  6. California accounts for 50% of U.S. fresh vegetable productionUSDA: Vegetables 2007 Summary

• Preparation

  Vegetables can be obtained fresh, canned or frozen. MyPyramid.gov: What Foods Are In The Vegetable Group? They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as boiled, roasted, stir fried, steamed or microwaved. National Heart Foundation : Easy Ways to Cook Vegetables Vegetables can be used in salads, soups, stews, quick breads, casseroles and muffins or eaten as a snack.Mypyramind.gov: Tips To Help You Eat Vegetables

• Health Benefits

  According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eating a diet rich in vegetables might help to reduce the risks of some chronic diseases, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The USDA also suggests that including vegetables as part of a overall healthy diet may educe the risk of type 2 diabetes and protect against some cancers and help to decrease bone loss.MyPyramid.gov: Why Is It Important To Eat Vegetables?

• Related Pages on Mahalo

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