What foods are in the Fruit Group?

Why is it important to eat fruit?

The Fruit Group includes all fruits and 100% fruit juice. Fruits may be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated. Fruits can be eaten whole, cut up, pureed (mashed), or cooked. At least half of the recommended amount of fruit eaten should come from whole fruit, rather than 100% fruit juice.

“Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of all body tissues. It helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums health. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron more easily. Next"

More About the Fruit Group

Eating fruit has many health benefits. People who eat fruits and vegetables as part of an overall diet may lower their risk for certain diseases. Fruits provide nutrients needed to maintain your health and body. PreviousNutrients Most fruits are low in fat, sodium, and calories. Fruits do not have cholesterol. Nutrients Fruits have many essential nutrients that many people don’t get enough of. Some examples include potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Nutrients Diets rich in potassium may help maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew, orange juice, sapote, jackfruit, guava, and kiwifruit. Nutrients Dietary fiber from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Whole or cut-up fruits are sources of dietary fiber. Fruit juices have little or no fiber. Nutrients

“Diets rich in potassium may help maintain healthy blood pressure.”

How much fruit should I eat each day?

Your fruit needs depend on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity. This amount can also depend on whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Find the right amount for you by getting your MyPlate Plan. For general guidance by age, see the table below.

What counts as a cup of fruit?

In general, the following counts as 1 cup from the Fruit Group:

• 1 cup of fruit

• ½ cup of dried fruit

• 1 cup of 100% fruit juice

The table below shows amounts that count as 1 cup from the Fruit Group.

Do you want to know more about the foods in the Fruit Group? What does a cup or half a cup of fruit look like? Check out the Food Group Gallery! This is a great resource if you want to eat more fruits. It will also help if you want to try something new.

Blackberries, star fruits, kumquats... they’re all waiting for you in the Food Group Gallery.

Source:

https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits