Don’t Ignore Fruits & Vegetables

All of us love fruits. Not only because they are great in taste and come in colors and shapes, but also because they are a naturally rich source of nutrients. We have all grown up listening to statements like “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “get your 5 daily”, among others. So much so that fruits have become and epitome of nutrition and prosperity (given the sky rocketing prices these days!).

Fruits and vegetables come in numerous colours and texture and have a strong appeal to our palate. We have a greater degree of freedom to choose from when it comes to fruits and vegetables and can opt for what appeals to us. Fruits and vegetables also offer us convenience as we can consume them in any form we like and we can choose from eating them fresh or frozen and even dried.

There is a long list of reasons (and benefits!) as to why we should include fruits and vegetables in our diet. We list down just a few of them and bring attention to some amazing and compelling reasons to make fruits and vegetables an integral part of our diet.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre which keeps us full and our digestive system happy. That means that we feel satisfied and full sooner while eating and feel that way for a longer time. Not only that, fruits and vegetables have a lower amount of calories. Hence, including them in our diet is a win-win deal for us!

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals which keep us charged and feeling energetic all the time.

With the sheer magnitude of the variety available with fruits and vegetables, we have a freedom of choice and will never be bored of repetition. This can help the ones among us who are trying to shed some weight or even the ones who are keen to keep it away.

For Health and Fitness Fruits and vegetables are nature’s treat to us and can make a great and healthy snack. Add to this the fact that they are fun to eat as we can peel and squeeze them to derive a gastronomic pleasure!

Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat, salt and sugar. Thus, they help us not only to reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight but also by lower our cholesterol level and blood pressure.

Also, fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals (or plant chemicals) which are biologically active and can safeguard us from some diseases to a great extent. People who regularly eat fruits and vegetables tend to have a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The only word of caution we would like to drop is that we must ensure that we eat fruits and vegetables with the season. Also, the variety and quantity of fruits and vegetables consumed are equally important. What we must remember is that a single fruit or vegetable does not provide all of the nutrients needed to be healthy and we must eat plenty every day.

We may want to keep fruits and vegetables where we can see it. That will surely increase our likelihood of feasting on them, for a better health!

[Source: http://www.livebeingfit.com/dont-ignore-fruits-and-vegetables/]