Fresh fruits and vegetables are the foundation of any healthy diet. They provide the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that the human body needs to stay healthy. Eating a varied selection of them will help prevent people from developing certain chronic health conditions and will keep their bodies functioning as they’re supposed to.

Unfortunately, too many people are leaving fruits and veggies off their plates, and this has led to a rise in obesity as well as other serious health complications. We can change that, however. All we have to do is celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in June and work towards a healthier diet.

The History of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

This month originated back in the early 1990s. We’re unsure who created it, but we do know that it was created to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables. We’re unsure if this was done to benefit farmers or if it was done to encourage Americans to eat healthier. We’ll keep looking for an answer to this question.

Amazing Facts About Fruits and Vegetables

We wanted to explore some facts about fruits and vegetables, so we took to the Internet and did a little bit of research. What we discovered was a whole basket of facts about fruits and veggies that we think everyone reading about National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month is going to find very interesting. Or, at least we hope everyone finds the following facts interesting.

• Bananas are actually berries. They’re a fruit that develops from a single flower with one ovary. That makes them a berry.
• Avocados contain a chemical that helps the human body absorb nutrients from other vegetables.
• Potatoes have more potassium in them than bananas do.
• Figs contain as much calcium as milk.
• Blackberries aren’t berries. They are individual fruits that grow together.
• Strawberries and raspberries aren’t berries either.
• Kiwis contain more Vitamin C than oranges do.
• Broccoli contains more protein than steak does.
• Onions have compounds that can help prevent certain cancers and asthma.
• Garlic is actually good for your respiratory system when eaten in moderation.
• Baked potatoes provide about 4 grams of dietary fiber.

Observing National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

During this month, everyone should take the time to examine their diet and see where they can make improvements. The main improvement that people should make is to replace their canned goods with more fresh fruits and vegetables. And when that’s done, people should make sure to use the hashtag #NationalFreshFruitAndVegetableMonth on social media.