Most people have childhood memories of being told to eat their fruits and vegetables.  Maximized Living Doctor Ryan Miller would like to remind you of the importance of having a balanced diet, complete with fruits and vegetables.  However, Dr. Miller adds a twist to this basic rule of thumb by relying in advancements in nutritional science. 

First of all, let us begin this brief discussion with a blanket statement that there are definitely nutritional benefits to eating most any fruit or vegetable.  However, it cannot be said that all fruits and vegetables are equally good for you.  To begin with, there is a profound difference between fruits and vegetables.  Generally speaking, vegetables have lower sugar content than fruits, making vegetables better for your health.

Many people believe that because the sugars found in fruits are naturally occurring it is ok to eat fruit in abundance.  This is not the case.  Even naturally occurring sugar is unhealthy if consumed in large quantities.  This means that a diet too high in fruits could very well lead to an increased waistline, not to mention related health problems such as diabetes.  Do not take this advice too far, however, and eliminate fruits from your diet as fruits do have nutritional value.

Vegetables, on the other hand, do not have the high sugar content that fruits have.  As such, a diet can be packed with vegetables and still be ok.  But even within the vegetable family, there are some veggies that are better than others.  For instance, potatoes are high in starch which the body quickly converts to sugar.  As such, it is a good idea to at least limit the amount of potatoes in your diet.

Maximized Living Doctor Ryan Miller suggests that you evaluate everything you eat – including fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables are good for you but exercise caution and balance for optimal health.