Boosting immunity and brightening moods, these fruits and veggies are all-stars in the food world. Choose either organic or conventional versions – science has shown both production methods yield safe foods that can be eaten with confidence. Simply choose what is available, affordable and works best for you and your family.

• Fresh Fruits Like Apples, Cherries, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Strawberries and Tomatoes: Nutrient dense and delicious too, these fruits provide vitamins and antioxidants that decades of studies have shown lessen the incidence of illness and disease, like stroke, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Many of these fruits can also be frozen to enjoy later in smoothies or as a warm weather snack.
• Leafy Greens Like Spinach and Kale: Often referred to as superfoods, studies have recently shown that in addition to disease-fighting characteristics, leafy greens keep your mind healthy too. Peer reviewed research found that people who ate one to two servings of leafy greens per day had a slower rates of cognitive decline.
• Fresh Veggies Like Celery and Potatoes: These veggies are often undervalued for their nutrition. But celery is high in fiber and a good source of Vitamins C and B. And, did you know potatoes rank highest in foods with potassium? It’s true! Potassium is a mineral that is part of every cell in your body. Plus potatoes are a good source of Vitamins B6 and C and fiber too.
• Dried Fruits Like Raisins: Look at any list of recommended pantry staples and dried fruits, like raisins, are on it. Not only are raisins a source of fiber and potassium, but they are an easy, natural snack that kids love. So take the advice of health experts and nutritionists and load up on this tasty, non-perishable fruit.

Reaching for any fruit and vegetable can have a beneficial impact on your health. Did you know that if half of Americans ate one more serving of a fruit or vegetable in a day, 20,000 cancers could be prevented annually? Or that studies show people who eat seven or more servings per day have a 42% reduced chance of premature death and a 31% lower risk of heart disease and 25% lower risk of cancer?

Don’t let anyone or any group discourage you from eating healthy and safe organic and conventional fruits and veggies – the only food group health experts everywhere agree we should eat more of every day.