Q: I know I’m supposed to eat 5 fruits and vegetables every day, but I hate vegetables. Can I just eat fruits instead?
– Elaine in San Diego

A: Eating lots of fruit is better than not eating fruits AND vegetables, and it will compensate to some extent for the lack of broccoli and spinach, but fruits are not identical to vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables contain vitamins C and beta carotene, but some antioxidant phytochemicals are found only in vegetables. For example, the cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower contain sulforaphane that boosts the production of anti-cancer enzymes. Rather than eliminate vegetables, add vegetables into favorite foods such as adding green peas to soup or layer spinach into lasagna. Drink your vegetables by snacking on tomato juice or V8. Experiment with different ways to eat vegetables, such as eating carrots raw, grating them into salads or tacos, or steaming them with a little ginger and honey. -Elizabeth Somer

Q: Is it worth the cost to buy a juicer?
– Leslie from Eugene

A: Yes, if this will ensure you consume the 8 to 10 fruits and vegetables you need every day. No, if you already eat lots of produce or won’t use it regularly. Juice is another way to get your fruits and vegetables, not any better way. In fact, juice is not quite as good as just eating those carrots or that apple, since juice is low in fiber compared to the original thing. Ignore claims that juice contains essential enzymes or somehow captures compounds not found in eating produce in other ways. There’s no proof of that. Fresh juice is just one more way to get those nutrient-packed plants, as is salads, steaming or baking or grilling fresh or frozen produce, and just picking them right off the bush, tree, or plant. -Elizabeth Somer

Q: Is the wax on fruits and vegetables really harmful?
– Patrick in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A: It’s not the wax, but what is trapped in the wax that you want to avoid. Waxes are used to seal in moisture and keep produce fresh. Even organic produce uses waxes, such as beeswax and carnauba wax. There is no evidence that these waxes pose any health problems. However, the waxes used on conventional produce can seal in pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides used during the growing of this produce. They also are sometimes mixed with fungicides to maintain quality during storage. Washing apples or peeling other produce, such as eggplant, that has been treated with wax significantly reduces harmful residues. There is no need to buy expense produce soaps. You can remove waxes and pesticides with diluted Ivory soap or any liquid dish soap and a sturdy vegetable brush. Be sure to rinse well. Peeling produce, such as apples, and removing the outer leaves from vegetables like lettuce also are ways to reduce pesticide exposure. Organic produce typically has lower levels of wax and pesticides than conventional produce, if you can afford the extra cost. Keep in mind, the health benefits of fruits and vegetables far out-weigh any possible health risk, so don’t avoid the produce department for fear of pesticides or a little wax. – Elizabeth Somer