Informing Americans that eating fruits and
vegetables can improve their health and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, including
heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and mascular degeneration. The 5 A Day Program also
provides consumers with practical and easy ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables
into their daily eating patterns. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber,
and other substances that are associated with good health. Low fat diets rich in fiber-containing grain
products, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.
Milk products provide protein, vitamins and minerals and are the best source of calcium.
Eating right is vital to promoting health and reducing the risk for death or disability due
to chronic diseases.
In fact, it has been estimated that dietary changes could reduce cancer deaths in the United
States by as much as 35 percent.
