While the health-related benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is known to most, the scientific literature in the last nine to ten years has increasingly pointed out the influence of these food groups on a variety of diseases. Eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables has been linked to improved health, and for good reason.
Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body. Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. None have cholesterol. Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.
Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients. Potassium- may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss. Dietary fiber- dietary fiber from vegetables, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
Folate (folic acid)- helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods. Vitamin A - keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections. Vitamin C -helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Choosing a colorful assortment vegetables is best, as different benefits exist in the different color spectrum. The orange pigment found in carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, for example, contain the antioxidant beta-carotene. The deep red pigment found in tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked with prostate health.
It is best to eat your fruits and vegetables from whole foods. Popping a pill - such as taking a beta-carotene supplement does not do the trick. Fresh and frozen vegetables offer a combination of many health benefits that you will not find in a pill. When you can, opt for local produce that's in season, it did not have to travel too far to get to you.
Go organic when you can.
Thanks for reading.