Fruit or Vegetable? It's a Seedy Situation.

So what makes a fruit a fruit, and a vegetable a vegetable?  According to botanists (smart people that study plants), a fruit is the part of the plant that develops from the flower and also the part that contains the seeds.  All of the other parts of the plant are considered vegetables.  This includes the stems, leaves, roots and flower buds.

Of course a typical fruit list always includes apples, oranges, bananas and grapes.  But it's time to expand this list to include the following surprises:  avocado, beans, pea-pods, cucumbers, nuts, squash, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and even pumpkins.  Vegetables  include celery, lettuce, beets, carrots and potatoes. 

As we all know, fruits and vegetables are loaded with healthy nutrients.  They are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Fruits and vegetables provide energy, protect against disease and help control weight.  You should aim for two or more cups of fruit a day, and two and a half cups of vegetables.  Choose whole fruits over fruit juices and dried fruit.