The Best Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Everywhere you look, the food we eat is moving away from nature. Grocery store shelves are filled with processed foods that contain hard-to-pronounce preservatives and additives. When we're not grocery shopping, we have a cheeseburger and fries for dinner.

When you think about the effect this type of diet has on your health, it's concerning. No wonder the rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic diseases have risen steadily in recent years.

To avoid being part of these stats, you can start making your diet more in tune with nature, and that means eating more fruits and vegetables. Here are the top 9 reasons why it's a great idea!

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The Best Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

You won't find a better food source than fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and folic acid. For potassium, one of the most important minerals for your health, eat plenty of avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, prunes, and even tomato paste.

You can enjoy a Variety of Flavors and Textures

With all its unique and interesting flavours, vegan foods allow you to be creative in the kitchen. You can try strong flavors like onions, olives, and sweet peppers, or milder options like mushrooms and corn. For sweet flavors, fruits like pineapple, grapes, or plums are great, while lemons and grapefruits are more acidic.

Lots and Lots of Fibre

Most fruits and vegetables contain plenty of fiber that fills you up and improves gut health, but some have more than others. Fiber-rich vegetables include artichokes, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower. Fruits rich in fiber include berries, pears, apples, and pumpkin.

They are Low in Calories and Low in fat

On average, fruits and especially vegetables are very low in calories and fat, which means you can eat more to feel full without worrying about extra calories or fat. You can save over 200 calories by eating ½ cup of grapes instead of ¼ cup M&Ms. However, there are exceptions, such as avocado, olive, and coconut.

It Prevents Cancer and Other Diseases

Many vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals, which are bioactive substances that can help protect against certain diseases. This means that you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer by adding it to your diet. Specifically, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, and watercress, have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer.

Fruits and Vegetables Help you Maintain Good Health

Because they are low in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet that can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain. Plus, they can help you reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Low Sodium and Cholesterol

Fresh fruits and vegetables contain small amounts of sodium. Many people think of celery as being high in sodium, but in fact, one stalk contains only 30 mg, which contributes 1 percent of the recommended daily value. There is no cholesterol in fruits and vegetables at all.

Fresh, Frozen, Canned, Dried - All are Nutritious

While eating fresh fruits and vegetables may be your preference, there isn't much difference from a nutrition standpoint when comparing frozen, canned or dried items. In fact, most frozen and canned produce is processed within hours of harvest, so the nutritional value is quickly determined.

Convenient, Fast and Easy

Unlike granola bars or crackers, many fruits and vegetables don't need any packaging. So you can easily grab a banana or an apple on your way out of the house.

Enjoying fruits and vegetables is a great way to improve your health and really enjoy what you eat. While it may take some creativity, effort, and an open mind to try new things, switching to a diet that includes more fruits and vegetables is definitely worth it.

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