Sure, we all know vegetables are "good for us," but just what is it that's so good about them?

Well they've got just about everything going for them. Not only are vegetables good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but researchers are finding increasing numbers of additional substances in vegetables that may protect against cancer.

In fact, studies that have examined the relationship between diet and cancer have found the strongest connection between high vegetable consumption and cancer prevention. In other words, groups in our society who have been found to have the lowest risks for cancer are those who eat the most vegetables.

Researchers think this protective effect may be due to the workings of hundreds of substances in vegetables, many of which may not have been identified yet! That's why it's important not only to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet, but to eat a wide variety of vegetables, as well. That way you're giving yourself the best chance of getting the widest range of benefits.

As you make changes in the foods you eat to help prevent cancer, one of the most important steps you can take is to eat more vegetables.