4 Ways Vegetables Help You Stay Healthy
We all know that we should eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day. But do you know how exactly vegetables help you stay healthy and active? If people knew all of the health benefits of vegetables, they would incorporate more vegetables and less animal foods into their diets. If you consume more animal foods like fish, meat, poultry and dairy products, and less plant foods like fruits, vegetables and beans, it’s no wonder you have many health issues. Even if you don’t have them now, you will see the results of your eating habits in your 50s-60s.
There’s a popular belief that people who want to lose weight should eat vegetables, and slim people can skip them. Vegetables are not for dieters and kids only. Vegetables are for those who want to live a healthy, and what more important, long life. Head of the Nutrition Department at the Harvard School of Public Health, Walter Willett claims that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables plays a role in reducing the risk of all the major causes of illness and death.
Regardless of your weight loss and health goals, you need to eat 3-5 servings of vegetables a day. Do you know why? Check out some of the best ways vegetables help you stay healthy.
1. Vegetables are good for your heart
Nowadays heart disease is the number one killer of most people around the world. The problem of a modern society is that we face stress each day and many of us don’t know how to cope with it in a healthy way. Stress can lead to anxiety, depression, numerous health issues and, of course, heart disease. However, your eating habits can cause heart disease as well.
Antioxidants have many proven health benefits. Vegetables are fortified with powerful antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol, which is connected with heart disease. Vegetables are also good sources of flavonoids and carotenoids that reduce high blood pressure, prevent heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
2. Vegetables lower you cancer risk
Cancer is another killer of many people. Unfortunately, most of us think of cancer when they have this problem, so why not prevent it? Vegetables can lower your cancer risk, if you eat 3-5 servings a day and do it each day. Vegetables are rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids, selenium, indoles, phenols and limonene, which are all good for your health.
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3. Vegetables contain all of the major vitamins and minerals
If you consume enough vegetables each day, you may never suffer from any vitamin deficiency. Vegetables contain vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, choline, biotin, as well as all of the essential minerals including iron, calcium, and zinc. It sounds like a good reason to eat your vegetables each day.
4. Vegetables are good for your eyes
Due to their high vitamin and mineral content, vegetables are especially good for your eyes. Found mostly in leafy greens, lutein can prevent the deterioration of the retina, which is the main cause of blindness in many. We live in a world full of amazing gadgets that make our lives easier. However, all those tablets and laptops can damage your eyes, even if you wear special protective glasses. Incorporate more leafy greens and carrots into your daily diet to protect your eyes and improve your overall health.
There are many other ways vegetables help you stay healthy. Eating vegetables on a daily basis can also help prevent constipation, diverticulosis, diabetes, and strokes. It can also help you release toxins, boost brain power and attentiveness, stabilize your blood sugar, restore the flora in your gut, and many more. Needles to say, you don’t have to munch on raw vegetables only. You can use them in your salads, smoothies, soups, stews, juices and any other meal you love. When buying vegetables and fruits, make sure you opt for organic ones. But it’s always best to grown your own vegetables. 3-5 servings of vegetables a day will be enough to stay active, healthy and live a long and happy life!
So, do you eat your servings of vegetables a day? What’s your favorite way to use it? Do you believe vegetables can help us be healthier and live longer? Please share your thoughts and ideas with us.
