Yet it is home to a roadside stand serving organic fruit and vegetables, a health-food shop packed with nutritious grains and a superstore that University of Washington researchers found attracts flocks of shoppers from well outside the desert.

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While the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables are not totally clear, most experts agree that increased consumption is likely to help in a variety of areas.

BBC: Apples

Make sure that you eat lots of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, low-fat dairy and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, both for your health and your baby's.

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"There are things we can't measure, " said Blatner, questioning how the lack of fruits and vegetables could affect long-term health.

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Supertasters may face some increased health risks because they often eat fewer dark-green vegetables, which can be bitter.

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So the first thought of the disease detectives at the health department working on the latest Cyclospora outbreak was imported vegetables.

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This Thanksgiving season, we celebrate farms of every size that produce fruits, vegetables, dairy, and livestock indispensable to the health of our families.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

We could probably improve our health a lot more by avoiding charred meats, wearing sunscreen, eating vegetables, and helping people quit smoking.

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If you don't lose weight slowly, it might be best to just accept your current weight and focus on prevention of weight gain, continuing your terrific fitness routine, and eating the healthiest diet you can, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats for optimal health.

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The Mediterranean diet began to gain heart health advocates, with its high content of olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, moderate amount of fish and poultry, and low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats and sweets.

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Having locally grown fruits and vegetables next to a hospital gives people the visual connection between good food and better health, Maring said.

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The Department of Health is developing a new trademark, to provide clear messages on what counts towards a portion of fruit and vegetables.

BBC: British diet 'could do better'