Why Increasing Non-Starchy Vegetables Intake Is Vital To Overall Health And Disease Prevention

Carbohydrates are the brain's preferred source of energy. Think quality and daily quantity.
Before we dive into this week's topic, let us begin by asking you a very important question:
How many servings of fruit and vegetables (F/V) did you consume on yesterday? Take a few minutes to reflect on what you ate yesterday. It's ok to guesstimate how much you think you consumed for this quick recall.
If you aren't sure what equates to a serving size of F/V, review the list below:
1 cup of raw or cooked fruits and vegetables:
1/2 cup of legumes or beans
3 cups of leafy greens
"Did you consume at least 3 or more servings of fruit and vegetables on yesterday?"
Truth is, you are not alone. The current 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a minimum of 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily as part of a healthy, daily diet. Currently studies show Americans still struggle to meet these guidelines. On average, most adults consume less than 1 cup of fruit per day and less than 1.5 cups of vegetables per day.
In our state of Louisiana, adults consume a sub-optimal intake of 1 serving of fruit
and vegetables every day. Only 8% of the state’s population meets the daily
recommendations for F/V.
Low fruit and vegetable intake is one of the major risk factors correlated to the personal and economical burdens of chronic disease and premature deaths in the United States and Worldwide1.
Now, consider this: Louisiana ranks 4th out of 51 states as having the highest obesity rates, with 43.5% of that population consisting of African Americans. Louisiana ranks 4th in the highest rates of diabetes and 6th in current hypertension rates. These staggering statistics are directly correlated to lifestyle factors like excessive calorie consumption, high sugar, fat, and sodium intake, low F/V intake, low hydration, and low/no physical activity.
In general, fruit and vegetables are great sources of fiber, folate, vitamins A, B6, C, K, E, copper, magnesium, thiamin, niacin, and choline.
A diet rich in F/V is directly correlated to the disease prevention, lower mortality risk, and decreases in many chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers.
Specifically, non-starchy vegetables are also rich in vitamins and fiber. Non-starchy vegetables are lower in carbohydrates (starch=glucose), better stabilizing blood sugar and slowing down digestion.
The takeaway from this post is highlighting the importance:
Increasing daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet minimum standards.
Increase daily consumption of non-starchy vegetables
Increase daily intake of fiber-rich foods
Naturally increase daily intake of natural vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant sources.
Improving overall dietary balance and variety
By making just one small change, like consuming 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables each day, you can create a big difference in your overall health, wellness, and weight management.
Lists of Non-Starchy Vegetables:
Non-Starchy Green Vegetables
Artichokes and artichoke hearts
Asparagus
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Cabbage (green, bok choy, Chinese, red)
Celery
Chicory
Cucumbers
Dandelion greens
Leeks
Okra
Peppers (all green types)
Scallions
Zucchini
Non-Starchy Leafy Greens
Arugula
Chicory
Collard greens
Endive
Escarole
Iceberg lettuce
Kale
Leaf lettuce
Mustard greens
Radicchio
Romaine lettuce
Spinach
Swiss chard
Turnip greens
Watergress
Non-Starchy Red/Orange Vegetables
Carrots
Pea Pods
Peppers (all red/orange types)
Pumpkin
Snow peas
Sugar snap peas
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Non-Starchy Beans, Peas, Legumes
Bean sprouts
Green beans
Italian beans
String beans
Wax beans
Other Non-Starchy Vegetables
Avocado
Bamboo shoots
Cauliflower
Daikon
Eggplant
Hearts of palm
Jicama
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms
Onions
Radishes
Rutabaga
Tunrips
Water chestnuts