Fruits and vegetables should play a huge role in any diet. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to lose weight or just trying to eat healthy, making sure you get plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide plenty of necessary health benefits. There are several excellent reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables. Here are five of the most important.
Disease Prevention
The old adage, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away,” rings pretty true. Many fruits and vegetables help to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content help protect you from coronary heart disease. In addition, potassium-rich foods, such as strawberries, bananas and potatoes can help to reduce blood pressure and decrease bone loss. Many fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help to ensure healthy cells.
Low in Calories
One of the best reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables is the calorie content. Most are very low in calories. Reaching for an apple or a few grapes instead of a sugary snack is a great way to lose weight and maintain a healthier body. Some vegetables contain so few calories that you may burn more calories during the eating process than the vegetable actually provides.
Filling up on fruits and vegetables may help with weight loss, as well. Making substitutions, such as fresh applesauce for oil in a muffin recipe may not only provide a delicious treat, but a healthier one. You can also add sautéed vegetables to an omelet to fill up at breakfast without adding many calories.
Packed with Nutrients
Vegetables are rich in fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. Folate-rich foods, such as tomatoes, bell peppers and spinach are especially important for women of childbearing age. These foods help to prevent certain birth defects in babies.
Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes helps with eye health and skin health. The high content of fiber in vegetables, such as broccoli can also help with digestion.
Fruits are also packed with vitamins, fiber, folate and potassium. High fiber fruits help to protect against heart disease and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries help wounds heal and keep teeth healthy.
Convenient
You don’t have to cook most fruits and vegetables to enjoy them. Grabbing an apple, grapes or even a few carrots is effortless compared to the time it takes to cook a meal or prepare certain snacks. Even making a salad takes less prep time than most meals.
If you want to add something nutritious and delicious to your diet, add fruits and vegetables. You can fill up without consuming too many calories and your body will thank you for the many needed nutrients
