Fruits or Veggies - Which Are Better?

Most of us know that we should aim to include lots of fruits and vegetables in our diets.  Although serving recommendations vary from country to  country, a good rule of thumb is to aim for half your plate to consist of veggies and fruit.

Fruits and Veggies Contain Micronutrients

Studies have shown that those who consume a variety of fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disorders. This is because fruits and vegetables both contain what are known as micronutrients.

The term micronutrients refer to vitamins and minerals, and they are essential for a range of processes in the body. They are required for hormone production, bone maintenance, cell growth and repair, and metabolism. Without adequate amounts of each micronutrient, you’re at risk of nutritional deficiencies, which can cause a range of health complications.

Are Fruits or Vegetables Better?

You might be wondering which is better - fruits or vegetables? Which should you be aiming to consume more of?

There is no right answer to this question. You should aim to consume a range of both food groups to maximize your nutritional intake.

If you struggle to eat a healthy diet that is rich in micronutrients, focus on adding more of the food group that you prefer. For example, if you know that you prefer fruits over vegetables, aim to add a wide variety of different fruits into your meals and snacks. Eventually, you can work your way up to consuming vegetables as well.

Fruits and Their Sugar Content

The one thing to note about fruits is their sugar content. Compared to vegetables, fruits are naturally higher in sugar.  However,  these sugars are natural and come along with micronutrients and healthy plant-based fiber.  In fact, fruit can help satisfy a sweet-craving and stave off indulging in a less healthy option.

Ultimately, one isn’t better than the other. Fruits and vegetables are both packed full of nutrition, and you should aim for a nice balance of both of them in your diet.