Why is it important to eat FRUITS?

Eating fruit provides health benefits. People who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

NUTRIENTS:

.Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. None have cholesterol.

.Fruits are sources of many essential nutrients that are underconsumed,including potassium,dietray fiber, vitaminC and folate.

.Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruits sources of potassium include bananas ,prunes and prune juice.dried peaches and apricots,cantaloupe,honeydew melon and orange juice.

.Dietray fiber from fruits as part of an overall healthy diet,helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk if heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber containing foods such as fruits help provide a feeling of  fullness with fewer calories . Whole or cut up fruits are sources of Dietray fiber ; fruit juices contain little or no fiber.

. Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

.Folate(folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects ,spine bifida and anencephaly during fetal development.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

.As part of an overall healthy diet,eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

. Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.

.Adding fruit can help increase intake if fiber and potassium which are important nutrients that many Americans do not get enough of in their diet.