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How Are Fruit & Vegetables Important to Students?

Fruit and vegetables contain nutrients, antioxidants and dietary fiber, all of which are essential for a healthy mind and body. This food group is particularly important for students and young children, who consistently face new physical and mental challenges, and whose bodies are growing and changing. To stay healthy, students should consume three to five servings of both fruits and vegetables every day.

  1. Healthy Weight

    • Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them very filling foods. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables contributes to healthy weight, which is important for school-age children and teenagers. A poor diet high in fatty, oily foods and processed meat is one of the primary causes of childhood obesity, which can result in low self-esteem and poor performance in school and extracurricular activities.

    School Performance

    • Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can help students stay alert and focused. This can result in higher levels of motivation and better grades. Students who eat nutritious meals are also less likely to get sick often, which increases school attendance.

    High Energy Levels

    • Students who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables consume higher quantities of vitamins A, C and E, all of which contribute to a high energy level. They also consume adequate amounts of minerals such as zinc and potassium, which are found in foods like spinach and bananas. Students with higher energy levels are more likely to be physically fit and perform better in sports. They are more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities and experience less fatigue after school.

    Body Development

    • For students in junior high and high school, eating lots of fruits and vegetables is particularly important. These foods can help with hormonal balance during puberty, when hormones are difficult to control. Eating vegetables and fruit also promotes healthy weight and a trim physique, which contributes to positive self-image and high self-esteem during a time when they are might otherwise feel self-conscious about their changing bodies.

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