10 Ways to Eat More Fruit

Fruits are a vital part of an everyday diet, but many people don't eat a sufficient amount of fruit on a daily basis, which means that these people are missing out on some key advantages associated with eating fruit. In addition to looking at the advantages of adding fruit to a diet, this article will also examine ten simple methods that people can use to increase their daily fruit intake.

The Benefits of Fruit

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), fruits provide vital nutrients, while increasing the body's ability to fight off infection and illness. A person with a diet that's rich in fruits is less likely to suffer a stroke and they're less likely to develop high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. Fruit eaters are also less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, kidney stones and certain forms of cancer, including mouth cancer, stomach cancer and colon-rectal cancer.

And it doesn't take a whole lot of fruit to enjoy these health benefits. According to the USDA's recommendations, children should eat between one and one-and-a-half cups of fruit per day, while adults should eat about two cups of fruit per day.

How to Eat More Fruit

1. Eat fruit with breakfast. Whether it's a banana on the side or some berries sprinkled over a bowl of cereal, fruit goes well with breakfast and fruits are often very complementary when eaten with pancakes, cereals, waffles and other common morning meal items.

2. Eat yogurt. Fruit yogurts have a high fruit content, so not only does this increase the daily intake of fruit, but yogurt eaters also get other benefits such as a well-regulated digestive system thanks to the live, active cultures that are present in yogurts. Opt for a natural yogurt, like Stonyfield Farms, for optimal benefits.

3. Eat fruits as a snack between breakfast and lunch. Fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are a quick, easy snack that will boost blood sugar for that period of time between breakfast and lunch. Small, frequent meals and snacks also hasten the metabolism.