The Many Benefits of Fruits and Veggies!

There are many benefits to increasing our fruit and veggie intake

• Fight inflammation:  Eating a variety of fruits and veggies helps reduce inflammation.
• Fiber from fruit and veggies can decrease cholesterol, improve immune function, and enhance gut function (artichoke, sweet potatoes, peas).
• Vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies help with all our body functions.
• Reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation in our blood vessels, and lowering blood pressure.
• Improve blood pressure:  Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables counter high sodium diets.  Vegetables naturally high in nitrates can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.  (beets, spinach).
• Improve eyes:  Vegetables are rich in beta-carotene which helps with eye health. Make sure you are taking breaks from the computer screens due to eye strain (broccoli, carrots, red peppers).
• Regulate blood sugar: Add some spinach, broccoli, or arugula to your pasta to minimize sugar spikes by balancing the absorption rates of your foods.
• Slow down aging: Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants can help clean up harmful free radicals in our bodies and keep our organs including our skin functioning healthier and younger!
• Reduce cancer risk:  Cruciferous veggies have cancer-fighting properties, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. 
• Improve our immune system: Vitamin C and A and Iron are key vitamins and minerals found in many fruits and vegetables that help support your immune system.  You will find some or all of these vitamins and minerals in spinach, kale, peppers, strawberries, oranges, papaya, carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and broccoli.  
• Keeping your brain young.: Leafy veggies and colorful berries help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Five to Nine Servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended each day!  I say we go for the full nine!