What Is the Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables?
Although it is difficult to say exactly what the difference is between fruits and vegetables, the popular distinction is that fruit, in general, is the fleshy part of the plant that contains the seeds — oranges, apples and berries are common fruits.
Vegetables are foods from the leaves, stems, roots, and other edible parts of a plant. But to botanists, any part of the plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds is a fruit. By this definition, such “vegetables” as tomatoes, cucumbers, and string beans are really fruits, because they contain seeds.
Nutritionally speaking, fruits and vegetables are similar. Compared with animal products, they’re generally lower in calories and fat, but higher in fiber. Fruits and vegetables also contain health-enhancing plant compounds such as antioxidants. And they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals.
One serving (half a cup) of most fruits has a bit more calories than one serving of vegetables. Exceptions would be dense, starchy vegetables such as potatoes or beets. Fruit or vegetable — the simple fact is we should eat more of them. However, doing that doesn’t seem so simple. Something to chew on. What are your thoughts?