Rx: Take 2 cups of dark leafy greens and call me in the morning.
Fruits and vegetables are so rich in disease fighting compounds you would think they'd only be available by prescription.
Need a reason to eat your fruits and veggies? I can do better than that! How about 12?
1. Beat Cancer!
We are all exposed to cancer causing substances everyday, such as
alcohol, cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, pesticides and others.
Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients called antioxidants and
phytochemicals that help detoxify these harmful substances. A diet
consisting of at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day can
reduce cancer risk by 20%!
2. Chose to Lose!
Weight that is! Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat, but
high in fiber and nutrients - a weight loss ally. Most vegetables
contain as few as 50 calories per cup. That's about the same amount of
calories in just one slice of bacon or one pat of butter! Talk about
getting more bang for you buck - or shall I say calories!
3. Be Heart Smart!
Looking to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, homocysteine levels
(high levels are a marker for heart disease), and reduce your chances
of stroke? Look no further! The nutrients found in fruits and
vegetables such as soluble fiber, B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium,
antioxidants, and phytochemicals all work to prevent heart disease.
4. Keep those Baby Blues (or browns, greens or hazels) Healthy!
Eating more vegetables and fruits may lower your risk for two of the
most common causes of adult blindness - cataracts and macular
degeneration.
5. Go with the Flow!
A diet high in
fruits and vegetables will help "keep the juices flowing" in a literal
sense. The fiber in fruits and vegetables will prevent constipation and
promote regular bowel movements. This in turn will prevent a disease
called "diverticulosis." Diverticulosis occurs when pressure and
straining in the intestine creates small pouches in the intestine wall,
which can become inflamed and painful.
6. Take Control!
...of Diabetes! The fiber in fruits and vegetables help control blood
sugar highs and lows associated with diabetes. Good blood sugar control
helps prevent other risks associated with diabetes such as kidney
disease, nerve damage, and blindness.
7. One Life to Live!
Numerous studies correlate a high fruit and vegetable intake with a long, healthy life. Hey, it can't hurt to try!
8. "Bone" Appetite!
Strong bones are not built by calcium alone. Nutrients found in fruits
and vegetables such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K are all
contributors as well.
9. Brain Food
Fish is not
the only brain food on the market. Recent research has found that the
antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect brain cells.
This may not only preserve memory but also prevent neurodegenerative
diseases such as Alzheimer's.
10. Beauty is Only Skin Deep!
Put down that tiny $60 bottle of skin cream! You can find all you need
for beautiful skin in the produce section. All those fancy ingredients
you find in your expensive moisturizers and anti-wrinkle creams such as
"copper", "retinol", "vitamin E", "vitamin K", "antioxidants," etc can
all be found in various fruits and vegetables.
11. This Joint is Jumpin'!
Recent research has found that the nutrients in fruits in vegetables
may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and contribute
to collagen formation, which acts like a cushion to joints.
12. Oh Baby!
The protective effect of folic acid on preventing the birth defect
spina bifida was so strong that the U.S. government stepped in and
voted to fortify grain products with this powerful nutrient. Folic acid
is naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables such as dark green
vegetables, citrus fruits, and bananas.
There you have it - 12
reasons to eating your fruits and veggies! How do you know if you're
choosing the "right" varieties? That's easy. Since ALL fruits and vegetables
contain different types of nutrients, simply choose a wide variety of
colorful produce everyday to ensure your nutrient needs are being met.
Happy eating! |
