Anytime is the perfect time to look at your diet and see if it may be falling short in some areas. The importance of fruits and vegetables in your diet is key to good health.
Studies have found that fruit and vegetable intake promotes a longer life span and lowers the risk of several chronic diseases, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
A healthy diet is one that:
•Emphasizes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk products.
•Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
•Balance calorie intake with caloric needs.
•Low in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
Fruits and vegetables are also vitally important for the amount of fiber they contain. Diets containing fiber-rich foods may reduce our risk of heart disease. Also, we need to consume foods rich in fiber for regularity, since constipation may be a problem as we get older.
When shopping for fruits and vegetables, choose an assortment of different types and colors to provide a variety of nutrients and other healthful plant substances.
•Vitamin A: Bright orange like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin; Reds like tomatoes and red peppers; Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, collards; Oranges like mango, cantelope, grapefruit.
•Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and juices, kiwi, strawberries, papaya; Broccoli, peppers, potatoes.
•Folate: Orange and orange juices; Deep green leaves like spinach and mustard greens.
•Potassium: Bananas, plantains, many dried fruits, and tomato products.
Throughout every month, remember the significance of your diet and your health. What you consume will help you feel better, fuel you right, and give you the nutrients you need. Your health will thank you for it!
Stay happy, healthy, and confident always! – Meredith