Vegetables are parts of plants that are consumed by humans or other animals as food. The original meaning is still commonly used and is applied to plants collectively to refer to all edible plant matter, including the flowers, fruits, stems, leaves, roots, and seeds.
Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet. They provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that can help prevent or treat many chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber, which can lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and promote digestive health. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should consume at least 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables per day, preferably from a wide range of colors and types. Some examples of fruits and vegetables are apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, berries, melons, broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms.
