Fruits and vegetables are all around us and for good reason. They benefit our bodies in many ways. Fruit is in so many delicious things that we eat every day. You can find fruit in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and toaster pastries. You can even find fruity wine online. But do we eat enough and are we eating it in a healthy way?
For years, the idea of “eating healthy” has been pushed on individuals. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should consume one and a half to two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables per day. That is hard to do and most people will not follow through.
Recent data has indicated that most people have not adhered to these recommendations, with only one in ten adults in the United States eating the recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake has numerous health benefits, including loss of weight. The following are some tips on how you can increase your daily fruit and vegetable intake:
Ensure you have a rule that advocates for half of your barbecue being always filled with fruits and vegetables. There are several delicious pairings, including:
You can always swing by a local market and buy a small bag of fresh fruits and vegetables on your way to an event or game. Make sure you wash them and you can pair them with other meals as follows:
The challenge of eating healthier is important when it comes to living a long, healthy life and avoiding diseases such as cancer. Having a plant-based diet has been known to decrease the risk of developing many types of cancers and other life-threatening diseases.
When it comes to eating fruits and vegetables, there are over 100 nutrients in each serving that can have positive effects on individuals’ health. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the immune system and keep cells in good shape. They also decrease the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Vegetable intake is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in women. Anti-inflammatory compounds, such as lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Fiber can help individuals maintain their weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by helping them absorb dietary calories.
Fruits and vegetables are also linked to less risk of heart disease, which is mostly caused by the process of atherosclerosis. Having a plant-based diet helps to slow down the process of atherosclerosis, thereby lowering one’s risk for heart disease.
Any diet that incorporates fruits and vegetables has been shown to be beneficial for one’s health. In addition to the health benefits, these diets are low in calories and fat, as opposed to other types of diets.
Studies have also shown that fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of cancer. These are all great reasons why it is important for individuals to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet.
As with many things in life, it’s difficult for many people to change their eating habits overnight. The best way to start is by gradually changing eating habits one at a time until the desired nutrients start being consumed more. Here’s to a healthy life!