Fruits & Vegetables: What's so Important?
Aside from the engaging imagery, fruits and vegetables are critical to maintaining a balanced diet, one that consists of nutritional value. Although we may work hard at our fitness goals and frequently "pump iron" or show up to the gym with the "best exercise fit", it is of dyer importance that we understand the 80 - 20 rule of nutrition and fitness (we'll cover fitness in a later article).
After countless discussions about personal care and health, the one topic that pops up, in great detail, is the need for humans to continue to consume healthier food selections. If you're struggling to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, we took the time to help you gain an understanding of the benefits, with the hopes that you will learn a few things, and eat properly on a consistent basis.
Health Benefits of Fruits
Fruit has been recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals, and for their role in preventing vitamin C and vitamin A deficiencies. People who eat fruit as part of an overall healthy diet generally have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. USDA's MyPlate encourages making half your plate fruits and vegetables for healthy eating.
Fruit are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, vitamin C and folate (folic acid). Try incorporating blueberries, citrus fruit, cranberries or strawberries which contain phytochemicals that are being studied for added health benefits.
The nutrients in fruit are vital for health and maintenance of your body. The potassium in fruit can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Potassium may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss as you age.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy need adequate folate. Folate helps prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida.
More Fruit Benefit Jewels:
Eating a diet rich in fruit may reduce risk for stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes.
A fruit containing eating pattern is part of an overall healthy diet and may protect against certain cancers.
Fruit helps maintain optimum health due to the health promoting phytochemicals it contains – many of which are still being identified.
One to 2-1/2 cups of fruit are recommended each day, depending on how many calories you need.
Health Benefits of Vegetables
People who eat fruit and vegetables as part of their daily diet have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. USDA's MyPlate encourages making half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables are important part of healthy eating and provide a source of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamins A, E and C. Options like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic provide additional benefits, making them a superfood!
Potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Dietary fiber from vegetables helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form healthy red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy need adequate folate to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida during fetal development.
More Vegetable Benefit Jewels:
The nutrients in vegetables are vital for health and maintenance of your body.
Eating a diet rich in vegetables may reduce risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.
One to four cups of vegetables are recommended each day, depending on how many calories you need.
With this short and sweet overview, you should be able to design a diet or adopt new eating habits that will yield remarkable benefits for your temple. Remember, it is just as important to feel good on the inside as you do on the outside. Beauty is all-encompassing, and it actually starts with nutrition.