Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day is celebrated on May 21. This is the perfect time for the availability of all our favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. We believe including fresh fruits and veggies in the diet is necessary for a healthy life. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day is dedicated to a cause. The increase in obesity and lifestyle diseases among American people is a major concern nowadays. This is a day to remind us of the importance of fresh food, which helps us lead a healthy life.
History of Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day
Ever wondered who started the cultivation and farming of vegetables and fruits? We only have a vague idea about the start of cultivation. We know we used to forage for nuts and fruits as far back as 1,00,000 years ago. During that time, our ancestors observed that the seeds they threw away created new plants.
The understanding that we could manipulate plant growth was perhaps one of the greatest discoveries of the ancient world. Most scientists agree that proper cultivation started only around 30,000 years ago. Initially, farming was a concept associated with grains and cereals. However, the practice soon expanded to include fruits and vegetables as well. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of necessary vitamins and minerals.
There are records of Romans using greenhouses to cultivate vegetables and fruits. The vegetables and fruits available nowadays are different from their ancient counterparts. Selective breeding for nutrition and edible quantity changed the shape, color, and even the taste for the better. But today, the trend has changed as we all opt for fast food.
This decision contributes to the obesity crisis and the formation of deadly lifestyle diseases. The growing number of people affected by unhealthy eating caused the Dole Food Company to take action. They created this holiday to educate the world about healthy eating and spread awareness about conditions such as obesity.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day timeline
People from the Fertile Crescent region in the Middle East start cultivating the land.
The bartering trade system in China is improved with the addition of fruit and vegetables to the trade list.
The Roman Emperor, Tiberius, farms fruits and vegetables using greenhouses.
The Dole Food Company kicks off Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day FAQs
What happens when you eat more fruits and vegetables?
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can supplement essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. It can help reduce health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart attack, and stroke. It can also help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and digestive issues and even prevent some forms of cancer.
How much fruit and veg a day is too much?
It depends on each person, their health conditions, and body weight. But generally speaking, around 14 ounces per day is good.
Is a fruit and vegetable diet costly?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are costlier compared to regular crops. High prices are due to the necessity of manual labor and the need for customized equipment for cultivation. But the reduction in healthcare justifies the higher prices.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day Activities
Source your fresh fruits and veggies
This is the easy part. Just pack a bag and start shopping for fresh veggies and fruits. Make sure to buy your veggies from the freshest source. It is best to buy from an organic source. This can help ensure the food is free of harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Explore the flavors of vegetable recipes
People often do not realize the choices available for fruit and vegetable recipes. There are countless vegetable dishes and smoothes available to try. Celebrate by exploring the tasty cousins available rather than going for fast food.
Invite people for a salad party
Get your friends who share the same enthusiasm for fresh food. You know what to do then! We have already purchased fruits and vegetables, and we know the recipes too. So sheath those knives and start cutting some veggies for the party.
5 Facts About Fruits And Vegetables That Will Interest You
Fruits and vegetables can increase your lifespan
Consuming fruits and vegetables in place of meat can increase one’s life expectancy by a few years.
The bounty of vitamins and minerals
A fruit and vegetable diet is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals.
The top consumer and producer
China leads the world in fruit and vegetable production and consumption.
Versatile
Fruits and vegetables can be consumed in any form: fresh, canned, dried, frozen, and juice.
Fruits are delicious
Fruits are sweet with fructose, and they do not pause the risk of extra sugar into our bloodstream.
Why We Love Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day
It can reduce the risk of various diseases
This is not a secret, but a non-vegetarian diet can cause numerous health issues. Diabetes, heart attack, stroke, obesity, e.t.c. are all companions of meat consumption. Adding more vegetables and fruits can help reduce these health conditions before they manifest.
Vegetable and fruit diets are cruelty-free
There is a long battle raging between vegetarians and non — vegetarians. A vegetarian diet is relatively less cruel as no killing or maiming is involved. A major argument is that plants are also alive, but plants are not sentient like animals and do not feel the same kind of pain. So it is a relatively cruelty–free diet.
It can reduce our carbon footprint
Meat production negatively affects our environment. It is a demanding process and needs a lot of water and food. The byproducts can add to the greenhouse gas emission and thus to global warming. The same amount of investment in cultivation can yield better output and reduce carbon emission.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 21 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 21 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 21 | Friday |
| 2028 | May 21 | Sunday |
| 2029 | May 21 | Monday |
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