Health Benefits of Fruit and Veggies

Fruit and Vegetables

Nutritionists recommend five servings of fruit and veggies every day.

Drink a glass of orange juice at breakfast or a smoothie. You can add sliced banana over your cereal. For lunch include a fruit salad in summer or vegetable soup in winter.  Smoothies are healthy as you can add a few fruit and perhaps a vegetable.

Fruit and Vegetables Protect against Cancer

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflower contain a compound called sulforaphane which neutralizes cancer causing chemicals by removing them from the cells.

Super Fruit and Veggies

Mangoes, melon, apricots, greens, carrots, and spinach contain beta carotene. Vitamin C is a antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that are the cause of many degenerative diseases. Vitamin C maintains the elasticity of your skin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone building and is needed for calcium absorption.  By not having the right diet in childhood it could cause osteoporosis in later life. Our bodies replace 20 percent of our bones’ spongy tissue.  You need to exercise and provide your body with enough calcium for good bone health. Including dairy products in your diet such as milk and cheese as well as sardines, leafy green veggies and soy beans are excellent sources. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption.  A study was done on postmenopausal women  and it was discovered that when they had high vitamin D blood levels, they absorbed 60 per cent more calcium. With age, women lose bone faster than they produce it. Walking or jogging for thirty minutes a day will keep your bones strong.