Yesterday we discussed the top 5 reasons that the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests for eating more fruits and veggies. Today we'll start finish the top 10.

6. Eye protection. Eating more fruits and veggies may lower your risk for the most common causes of adult blindness: cataracts and macular degeneration.

7. To avoid diverticulosis. One-third of people over 50 and two-thirds of those over 80 have this disorder. It starts when intestinal pressure creates small pouches in the intestinal wall, which then become inflamed and painful. The best defense against developing diverticulosis is a high-fiber diet.

8. Fruits and vegetables may also help control diabetes since they seem to raise blood sugar less than other carbohydrates, while their fiber content slows sugar absorption.

9. Fruits and vegetables can also satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. When you eat fruit instead of candy, you get an added energy boost from nutrition that works for you-instead of just "empty calories" that work against you.

10. Because they just taste great.

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Created: 1/11/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.