What Are the Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables?

Everyone knows that eating fruits and vegetables is essential for one’s health; yet there are many people that don’t get the required number of servings of fruits and vegetables needed each day for optimum health. Many companies are actively placing notations on food products detailing the number of servings of fruit or vegetables that are within a particular product. Even still, many people are not getting the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables as recommended by the infamous food pyramid. There are a number of reasons why people are not eating the foods that are best for them. Perhaps if more people knew and understood the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables on a regular basis then maybe individuals would be more likely to select a piece of fresh produce over sugary and salty snacks.

There are a number of benefits that are derived from eating plant based foods on a regular basis. Fruits and vegetables are great for controlling one’s weight. Most types of produce are low in calories and contain little fat content naturally. Anyone that is interested in losing weight should try replacing their traditional snacks with healthier options. There are a variety of ways in which fruits and veggies can be prepared in order to make healthy low fat snacking and meal options that are perfect for anyone that is trying to lose weight. While there are many manufactured diet foods available for consumption, the best foods for losing weight are fruits and vegetables. Eaten in their natural state, they are the best choice for individuals that are looking for healthy, low fat food when losing weight.

An additional benefit of eating fruits and vegetables is the increase in disease prevention. Studies have shown that people who eat the suggested five servings of fresh prouce each day are at a far greater risk of developing a number of different ailments. Such diseases as heart disease are greatly lowered because plant foods are naturally low in fat and cholesterol. Likewise, the risk of developing such diseases as cancer is also lowered because many fruits and veggies have antioxidants that that are very effective at fighting against free radicals. Also, many fruits and vegetables contain a variety of different compounds and substances such as phytochemicals and carotenoids and numerous vitamins and minerals which play a great part in preventing disease.

It should be noted that fruits and vegetables are very important for proper bowel functioning. Although most people think of whole grains when they think of fiber, there are many kinds of produce that contain high amounts of fiber. Such examples include apples, broccoli, bananas, carrots, guava and peppers just to name a few. People that are having bowel functioning issues may find relief by incorporating more plant based foods into their diets. Proper bowel functioning is very important to the cleansing of the body. Thus, it is very important that people incorporate more of these foods into their diet for optimal health benefits.

Overall, there are many benefits to eating fruits and vegetables on a regular basis!