Are we eating enough veggies? - http://clapway.com/2015/07/12/americans-dont-eat-enough-fruits-and-vegetables-125/

People are advised to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables each day in order to lower the risk of getting heart diseases, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and many other health problems.

ARE WE GETTING ENOUGH GREENS?

 

According to researchers, people who eat at least seven servings of fruit and veggies a day, have the chance to reduce all the risks mentioned by 42 percent over the next years compared to those who eat less than one serving every day. But even with so many evidence published by specialists, people tend to eat much fewer fruits and vegetables than advised. The fact that fast foods are available everywhere doesn’t seem to help people improve their lifestyle.

AMERICANS SKIMP ON HEALTHY FOODS

So, in accordance with a new government study, published on 10th of July, in the CDC’s journal, approximately 75 percent of Americans are simply not consuming the 1.5-2 cups of fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables every day, even if this is recommended by the U.S. federal dietary guidelines.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System collected the published data, after more than 373,000 American adults in all 50 states, answered questions about how much fruit and vegetables they eat.

It seems that only 13.1 percent of Americans are eating the recommended one to one-and-a-half cups of fruit, every day. Regarding the vegetables, the research found that just 8.9 percent are eating two to three cups, as recommended.

The results varied from one state to another. California appeared to be taking the lead showing the highest numbers when it comes to both fruits, as well as veggies consumption. The worst state for fruit consumption was Tennessee, while the worst one for vegetable eating was Mississippi, as the results showed.

EFFORTS TO HELP PEOPLE EAT HEALTHIER

In order to improve vegetables and fruits consumption in adults, starting with children seems to be the best option, since they are also eating fewer fruits and veggies than recommended.

This effort might begin in schools, which must meet the federal nutrition standards. In addition, fruits and vegetables should also be made more appealing for children

Furthermore, the effort can be improved by making more fruits and vegetables available at work meetings and conferences.

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Americans Don"t Eat Enough Fruits and Vegetables

Mexico"s Fruits and Flavors - http://clapway.com/2015/05/18/mexicos-fruits-and-flavors/

The flavors and colors of Mexican fruits are extraordinary. The variety of the fruits and the different uses we give them can be very interesting for any foreigner visiting Mexico. You can find them anywhere from street carts with pieces of fruit to grab a snack to stores with popsicles and ice creams made with unique fruit flavors.

Some of these fruits such as zapote negro, mamey and guanabana you will only find in Mexico and some South American countries. Zapote negro from the nahuatl term “tzapotl” refers to a group of tropical fruits. Its also know as chocolate pudding fruit for its chocolate and nutty texture and flavor. Mamey fruit has a flesh ranging from pink to orange and red, it is soft and creamy. On the other hand guanabana has a white flesh with dark brown seeds, its popular to use in juices and its a great source of Vitamin C.

Two of the most famous places that sell ice cream and popsicles in Mexico City are La Michoacana and Nevería Roxy. Roxy as locals call it opened its doors in 1946 in the Condesa neighborhood. Don Carlos and Doña Maria Luisa started the business and since then has been run by the family through 5 generations. Locals can enjoy their diverse menu of flavors ranging from strawberry, mamey, guanabana and tamarind to the classic such as vanilla and chocolate. There are five different stores around the city for people to enjoy their diverse products.

La Michoacana started around 1940 in Tocumbo, Michoacan. Michoacan is a state in the south west of Mexico popular for being the wintering grounds for the monarch butterflies. The history of this ice cream and popsicle store, says that Agustín Andrade and Ignacio Alcázar where the founders. They started opening stores around the country but the people who worked in them where always from Tocumbo, Michoacan. It is said that the name was trademarked only in Mexico so there are a few stores in the US with the same name although the owners are different. La Michoacana has many stores in Mexico City and you can get ice cream, popsicle and also fruit flavored waters.

I would definitely recommend going to either of these places if you are ever in Mexico, my favorite flavors are mamey and guanabana popsicle. If you go to La Michoacana in Prado Norte don’t miss the agua de horchata made out of rice with a touch of vanilla.

For more information and tips on traveling and food in Mexico and abroad visit michelleonbell.com.

To see more of Mexico’s fruits in full, please visit Michelle’s gallery here!

Mexico"s Fruits and Flavors