You built miniature forts with them on your plate. You made a million different art masterpieces with them, your favorite being the smiley face. At times they even became your instant weapons of dinner-table destruction. You'd simply put them on your fork then point them towards your target and fire. Most of the time, however, the war was between you and them. You'd be forced to sit at the table just staring at them for what seemed like centuries. No dessert, no playtime, no fun, not until you ate your stupid veggies.

If you grew up thinking that veggies were you worst enemies, then it's time to make peace. There's a reason those drill sergeants, a.k.a. your parents, tortured you every night. They knew it, and by now you should, too. When it comes to your well-being, veggies are your best friends. Nutritionally speaking, they are the superstars of health.

While the Incredible Hulk may look like the strongest green powerhouse around, he's got nothing against the extraordinary strength of spinach or the out of this world brawniness of broccoli. They are potent powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They are also naturally low in fat, sodium and calories and contain no cholesterol. Sorry Hulk, there's no contest. Veggies are edible and incredible.

Rainbows are not only remarkably beautiful to view, but they're also extremely delicious. Vary your veggies, and you will find the pot of wealth in the form of sound health. Vegetables come in all shapes and colors, and each one is unique and full of different nutrients. Experts suggest you eat at least five to seven servings of a day and go crazy on color. The more versatile you are with your veggies, the better. Not only will eating a variety ensure you get more nutrients, but it also helps make meals and snacks more tasty and interesting.

No more fighting your veggies. If you haven't opened your mind and mouth to the delicious and amazing benefits of vegetables, it's time to you gave them a chance. Here's a list of the top 10 reasons, according to The American Institute for Cancer Research, why you should sign the treaty of leafy health and incorporate veggies into your diet.

1. Keep Trim
2. Prevent Heart Disease
3. Control Diabetes
4. Avoid Diverticulosis
5. Reduce the Risk of Certain Types of Cancer
6. Prevent Stroke and Other Diseases and Illnesses
7. Bring Blood Pressure Down
8. Lower Risk of Adult Blindness
9. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
10. Pure Pleasure

Carolina Diaz-Bordon, eDiets.com Staff Writer

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