Eating a healthy diet is a challenge for everyone despite how much you know about healthy foods. And while you surely know that eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables is important, it may not be as clear to you as to why it is so important. Here are just a few of the important nutrients you get from eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
Vitamins
Fruits and vegetables are incredibly high in a variety of different vitamins including Vitamin A, E, and C. Vitamin A, for example, plays an important role in your body's immune system. It also enhances your vision and the functioning of various organs including your heart and kidneys.
Vitamin E provides some of the same benefits as Vitamin A while also contributing to skin health and smoothness. Vitamin C is incredibly important for your immune system’s health and plays a big role in helping fight off sickness like the common cold. Eat a variety of different vegetables to get a rounded diet with a variety of different vitamins.
Fiber
In addition to providing important vitamins, fruits and vegetables also provide your body with important fiber. Fiber plays a huge role in the health of your intestines and bowels. A lack of fiber can be followed by symptoms of difficult bowel movements.
While most fruits and vegetables will help your intestinal health, there are a few specific kinds that have significantly high levels of fiber. Raspberries have around eight grams of fiber per cup which is incredibly high. Try and incorporate them into your diet to maintain your bowel health.
Potassium
Another huge benefit of consuming fruits and vegetables is the added potassium they give you. Potassium is essential to a variety of basic functions that your body performs—namely, it helps you maintain normal blood pressure and regulate your blood. It also helps you contract and detract your muscles. There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high level of potassium including bananas, oranges, potatoes, cucumbers, and grapefruit.
Finding the right balance in your diet will take some personal effort and consistency over time. But adding in an array of fruits and vegetables will help your body better function overall and will help you have higher energy levels. The benefits of eating these colorful foods are hard to overstate.
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