Benefits of Eating Fish

• Fish offers a higher quality of protein with fewer calories.
• Fish are low in sodium and a good source of potassium, vitamins, and other minerals.
• Fish is also low in cholesterol and saturated fats.

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Better Eyesite and Fighting Cancer

Carotene -the form of carotene found in the sweet potato is beta carotene, an unsaturated hydrocarbon found as a pigment in many higher plants, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy vegetables.  It is the main dietary source of Vitamin A. in the body carotene is converted to provitamin A. This reaction occurs in either the liver or intestinal wall. Vitamin A is known to aid in vision and is an important antioxidant known to fight cancer. 

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Vegetarianism

• Over 30 million Americans have explored a vegetarian eating pattern.
• Aging baby boomers are taking a proactive approach to their health by eating more meatless meals.
• About one-third of U.S. teenagers think being a vegetarian is "in."
• Health and taste are the top two reasons consumers are eating more meat-free meals.

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Vitamin E

• Vitamin E boosts the innune system and may reduce the risk of cataracts. Vitamin E is also vital for healthy skin and hair. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, such as almonds, vegetables oils, seeds, wheat germ, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables.
• What we need?
• For Adult Americans, the RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligarms.

3/23/06AB Other information can be found at www.eatright.org

Vitamins and Minerals in Snacks

Keep body weight under control. Snacking on low-calorie, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables helps keep both calories and hunger in check. 

Reduce cancer risk.  Folate, a vitamin found in asparagus, spinach, broccoli and citrus fruits, helps prevent cancer damage at the molecular level. Selenium, vitamin C and other antioxidant phytochemicals, such as the dark green and orange pigments called carotenoids, help prevent cancer by neutralizing harmful by-products of metabolism inside cells, while other phytochemicals appear to help detoxify carcinogens and block cancer growth.

Live a longer and healthier life. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated a lower risk of stroke, cataracts and a painful bowel disease called diverticulosis, as well as improved blood lipid levels and a longer, healthier life overall. 

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2/28/06 (ap)