Healthy eating habits: 10 Reasons to eat fresh veggies every day
From an early age, we are all taught to eat our greens and yet, it is estimated that around 80% of Americans don’t eat enough vegetables. Fresh veg, especially the green leaf type, can protect you from a whole range of diseases, from stress to heart disease. If you need any more convincing of why you need to eat fresh veggies, then just read these ten very good reasons:
1. You will handle stress better
Fresh fruit and vegetables can help you handle the day to day stresses of life better. Research has shown that people who eat diets that are high in vegetables and fruit, that have a high vitamin B6 content, like avocados and bananas, handle stress far better, than those who do not.
2. It protects your heart
Fresh vegetables contain antioxidants and it’s antioxidants that prevent fats in the blood stream from oxidizing, which causes the development of bad cholesterol. Low consumption of fresh vegetables has been directly linked to high cholesterol levels and the onset of heart disease.
3. It protects you against developing certain types of cancer
Vegetables are the best source of fiber that there is and, amongst other benefits, fiber helps to protect people against developing breast cancer and prostate cancer.
4. It can help protect your skin
Research conducted at one of American universities found that eating red, orange and yellow skinned fruit or vegetables can actually produce a protective layer under the skin that will help to prevent skin damage and cancers caused by exposure to the UV rays of the sun.
5. Fresh veggies help you lose weight
Not surprisingly, eating vegetables is a major factor in losing weight. Adding more vegetables to your diet and reducing the more fattening foods, will still leave you feeling full, but for far less calories.
6. It fights off minor infections like coughs and colds
The more fruit and veg you eat, the less likely you are to catch a cold. Research has shown that people who eat high levels of vitamin C containing fruit and veg have 30%-40% less days off work, with minor ailments, than those who don’t.
7. It stabilizes your blood sugar levels
If you experience highs and lows of energy levels during the day, then this could be because your diet is causing peaks and troughs in your blood sugar levels. If you eat more vegetables, you will get a steady supply of energy throughout the day, as, unlike sugar, vegetables release carbohydrates slowly and steadily.
8. Vegetables are good for your bones
Most people think of milk and other dairy products, when they think of bone strengthening foods, but vegetables are also an important source of calcium and other minerals that promote healthy bones. This is especially true of the green and leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, so make sure to add them to your healthy green smoothies.
9. It prevents cataracts
Fresh vegetables also help to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts in the eyes. The effect of vegetables on eye health is so significant that people who eat less, than one portion of veggies a day are 50% more likely to develop these diseases later on in life.
10. Because it’s easy to do!
With all these fantastic benefits to be gained from eating fresh veggies, it’s hard to imagine why so many people don’t eat enough. The recommended minimum amount of fresh vegetables and fruit a day is just five portions. It’s easy to add an extra portion of veg to your meals and eat some fresh fruit, as a snack during the day. There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables to choose from, you have no end of choices! Remember, five portions a day. Count them up and see if you are getting enough fresh vegetables in your diet.
Do you like to include fresh veggies and fruits in your diet?
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Stay beautiful, healthy and happy!