Eat some fruit – it could help. People who eat more fruits are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide vital nutrients to heal and support your body.
Nutrients from Fruit
Many fruits are low in fat, sodium, and calories – none have cholesterol. You can find potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate and much more inside each fruit.
Potassium may help maintain healthy blood pressure, so eat these potassium filled fruits: bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice.
Dietary Fibers found in fruits also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may possibly lower the risk of heart disease. Proper bowel function requires a good amount of fiber; fiber provides a feeling of fullness. Cut-up or whole fruits are a great source of fiber while juices are not – often containing little to no fiber.
Vitamin C is important for all growth and repair of body tissues. It helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Woman of childbearing age, who may become pregnant, can reduce the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development by consuming foods with adequate folate and taking an additional 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid.
Health Benefits Of Fruits
- Reduced risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
- Certain fruits may protect against certain cancers.
- Reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- May help lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and decrease bone loss.
- Fruits are lower in calories per cup than other higher-calorie foods which could help lower calorie intake.
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