Physicians and dieticians around the world stress upon the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. There are a number of reasons why these healthful food items should be had every day. If you haven’t started having these yet then the reasons shared here should inspire you to do so.
- Low Calorie Content
Lack of exercise and poor choice of food often leads to weight gain. If you have been struggling to lose weight but fall short each time then the small change of including fruits and vegetables in your diet should help as these are low in calories.
- Fiber Intake
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber. Including these in your daily diet keeps your digestive system intact.
- Minerals and Vitamins
Most vegetables and fruits are loaded with minerals and vitamins. So you don’t have to depend on supplements to fulfil your nutritional needs if you include these in your daily diet.
- Easy to Have
Fresh fruits are easy to have. Just grab them and have them. You do not have to go through the whole ordeal of cooking them before they are ready to be served. Besides, these are nutritious in any form – fresh, frozen, dried, canned and juiced.
- Add to the Appeal
Including fruits and vegetable in your platter adds to its colour. This is especially a good way to trick the kids to eat as they are usually attracted towards bright and colourful things.
- Reduces Risk of Diseases
Including nutritious fruits and vegetables in your diet will also help keep various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure at bay.
Here is a look at the health benefits of some of the commonly available fruits and vegetables:
- Mango
Mangoes include antioxidants that help lower your cholesterol level, improve eye sight, fight heat stroke, improve digestion and offer a clear skin.
- Apple
Rich in flavanoids, dietary fiber and antioxidants, apples help in lowering the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
- Banana
A rich source of potassium and magnesium, bananas ensure heart health and also help in lowering blood pressure.
- Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants called polyphenols that aid in preventing different types of cancer including prostate, colon, pancreatic, endometrial, lung and mouth.
- Papaya
Papayas contain an enzyme named papain and are also rich in fiber and water content that help in preventing constipation and promotes healthy digestion.
- Tomato
These are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, biotin, molybdenum, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber. Tomatoes help in maintaining your blood pressure level, improving heart health and combating diseases such as diabetes, different types of cancer and depression.
- Beans
An excellent source of proteins, fiber, complex carbs and antioxidants, beans help in combating cancer, lowering your cholesterol level and losing weight.
- Spinach
High in proteins, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K and zinc, spinach lowers your cholesterol level, lowers blood pressure, prevents asthma, promotes bone health and renders healthy skin and hair.