Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and Vegetables:There are many reasons for everyone to enjoy eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruit. Vegetables and fruit provide important vitamins such as vitamin C and folic acid. They also have other plant substances that are thought important to help prevent some diseases.
Heart Disease
Research from the United States, United Kingdom, and The
Netherlands suggests that the role of fruits and vegetables in
preventing heart disease is a protective one. Risk reduction was
estimated as high as 20 - 40 percent among individuals who
consumed substantial amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Colors for Our Health
Red:Specific phytochemicals in the red group that are being studied for their health-promoting properties include lycopene and anthocyanins.
Green: vegetables contain varying amounts of phytochemicals such as lutein and indoles, which interest researchers because of their potential antioxidant, health-promoting benefits. Include GREEN in your low-fat diet to maintain.
White:White and brown fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of phytochemicals of interest to scientists. These include allicin, found in the garlic and onion family. The mineral selenium, found in mushrooms, is also the subject of research.
It’s hard to argue with the health benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and probably some cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check.
