Why Eat Fruits and Vegetables?

Dieticians and nutritionists around the globe emphasize the need to make fruits and vegetables an important part of our diets. There are numerous reasons they give in favor of their suggestion. Ten good reasons that the American Institute for Cancer Research has assembled are:

1. Of course, the first in the list is cancer prevention. There are abundant supplies of antioxidant substances in fruits and vegetables that are proven to be helpful in preventing cancer. These give protection against reactive substances that harm human cells and off set cancer. They are also rich in phytochemicals the main function of which is to detoxify substances leading to cancer.
2. Number 2 on the list is staying slim. It’s proven that most vegetables contain a very low calorie count as compared to junk food, such as a bag of potato chips or a small cookie. This leaves a person feeling fuller and wards of his hunger. In this way you will consume lesser quantities of high-calorie meats and desserts.
3. Including more fruits and vegetables in your diet as compared to meat and dairy products can help in limiting the use of saturated fat and cholesterol which are found guilty of damaging the heart. They protect blood vessels from getting clogged with fatty deposits, provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol and generally lower the risk factors for heart diseases.
4. Veggies and fruits lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that people using high fruit and vegetable diets controlled their BP levels. This is probably due to presence of potassium and magnesium in them.
5. Studies carried out recently show that high vegetable and fruit diets can lower the risk of stroke by an amazing 25 %. The high potassium content as well as antioxidants and phytochemicals contained in these may be responsible.
6. Including plenty of fruits and veggies in the diet lowers the risk of contracting cataracts and macular degeneration which are the two main causes of adult blindness.
7. Diverticulosis, an intestinal disorder where the intestine creates small pouches in its wall that leads to inflammation causing pain, may be prevented by an intake of fruits and vegetables. Fiber is the best bet against this disease which is plentiful in fruits and specially in vegetables.
8. Fruits and vegetables help in preventing diabetes. They raise blood sugar less than other carbohydrate containing food. Fiber found in these can also slow down the process of sugar absorption in the blood.
9. Fruits and vegetables are of immense benefit to people watching their weight. The natural sugar found in them satisfies a sweet tooth. They provide instant boost of energy and nutrition as opposed to the empty calories you may be consuming from other sweet stuff like candies and fizzy drinks.
10. Lastly, the research focused on the pure pleasure fruits and vegetables provide to a table. The rainbow colors of fruits and veggies like greens, reds, yellows and purples have the power to make any dish more visually tantalizing. The variety of taste and textures adds an interesting dimension to foods as well as flavor.

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