HEALTH BENEFITS OF ADDING FRUITS TO YOUR DIET
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a very popular saying and rightfully so. But, although, apples are one of the most popular fruits, they are not the only ones beneficial in adding to your diet.
We have only just started to discover the full extent of adding fruits to the daily diet. Often, thought, fruit is not being taken seriously as opposed to vegetables. Maybe we perceive veggies as a healthier option? Or we feel guilty opting for a sweeter option? Well, some nutrients you can get higher per fruit than in the same number of vegetables. And, by the way, ideal goal is only 1.5-2 cups of fruit a day!
Let’s look at some of the health benefits that fruit intake provides.
Weight management
Fruit contains natural sugars that is chemically similar to table sugar but our body processes it different due to fiber, phytochemicals, and micronutrients that fruit is so rich with. On the other hand, fibre helps filling you up. Choosing lower-calories fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries might drive the hunger away while providing a healthy snack that is dietary in nature.
Fruit nutritional value
When you think fruit, you think snack or desert but there is so much more to it than that!
All fruits contain fiber and potassium, and most are great sources of vitamins A and C, folate, and antioxidants.
The potent antioxidants that are contained in fruits may have a variety of benefits, including better heart and brain function and even reduced risk of cancer! Fiber, as you already know, can help in maintaining healthy weight, improving cholesterol levels and keeping the digestive system working smoothly. Potassium is great help in lowering blood pressure as it relaxes blood vessel walls and helps to reduce the negative effects of a diet too high in sodium.
Berries boost brain power!
A 2012 Harvard study found that those who ate one or more servings of blueberries or two or more servings of strawberries per week delayed cognitive aging by 2½ years compared with those who ate the fewest berries.
Fruits lower risk of Cancer.
There is probable evidence that fruit consumption on daily basis may protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, and stomach, according to the latest report by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund.
In conclusion, fruit is a delight to have as a desert or a snack, not only can it quelch the sweet cravings, fill you up but, also, to provide the vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy and fit! It also makes a great gift with its bright colors and multitude of creative designs!
