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Health & Fitness

The Perks of a Colorful Plate

Fresh produce is one of the major hallmarks of summer – with colorful fruits and vegetables like watermelon, berries or corn enjoyed at barbeques or parties. These low-calorie, vitamin-rich foods are delicious side dishes that not only aid weight-loss efforts, but according to new research, also prolong life. In fact, people who eat even just three servings of fruits and vegetables each day live approximately 32 months longer than those who do not.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explains that people who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day are more likely to live longer than those who do not. And fruitarians – people who simply eat fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds without animal products or grains[i] – regularly live an average of three years longer than those who never eat these types of produce. 

Though research is still underway to learn more about the benefits of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, we do know that eating balanced meals comprised of both produce and lean proteins is critical to maintaining good health.

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During the summer, fresh produce is everywhere – making it easy to indulge. But, before stuffing your shopping bags with an overload of these healthful treats, it’s important to ensure that you’re maintaining a balanced diet that also includes lean proteins. Concierge practices, like Principal Medical Group (PMG), offer nutrition and lifestyle services that are designed to help patients keep a healthy diet and lifestyle. PMG’s physicians have extensive knowledge on healthy eating, and can help patients live longer, more prosperous lives. Contact PMG to schedule a nutrition consultation today.

[i] Houghton Mifflin Company, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2009.

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