Vegetables Can Help Girls Avoid Obesity

Eating veggies — low in calories and an excellent source of fiber — may help preteen girls maintain a healthy weight. That’s indicated in a study by Children’s Nutrition Research Center scientists at Houston, Texas, and their colleagues.

Analysis of food records completed by 114 African-American girls aged 8 to 10 showed that those who reported eating more vegetables had healthier BMI (Body Mass Index) scores (Obesity Research, volume 12 (Suppl.), pages 53S to 63S).

Preteen African-American girls have potentially higher-than-normal obesity rates and may be at a greater risk of heart disease, some cancers, diabetes and stroke when they grow up.

Parents can help their daughters by serving veggies at meals and keeping a variety of low-calorie veggie snacks handy in the refrigerator.

Source:
U.S. Department of Agriculture