Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables

                                          Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of your daily diet. They are naturally good and contain vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you healthy. Research shows they can also help protect against some diseases. Most Australians will benefit from eating more fruit and vegetables as part of a well-balanced, regular diet and a healthy active lifestyle.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. These include vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid. Research into folic acid shows that it may reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Eat more fruit and vegetables for your health

Fruits and vegetables are low in fat, salt and sugar and provide a good source of dietary fibre. As part of a well-balanced, regular diet and a healthy active lifestyle, a high intake of fruit and vegetables can help:

·        Reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight

·        Lower your cholesterol

·        Lower your blood pressure.

Protect against diseases

Vegetables and fruit contain phytochemicals, or ‘plant chemicals’. These biologically active substances can help to protect you from some diseases. Scientific research shows that if you regularly eat lots of fruit and vegetables, you have a lower risk of:

·        Type 2 diabetes

·        Stroke

·        Heart (cardiovascular) disease – when fruits and vegetables are eaten as food, not taken as supplements

·        Cancer – some forms of cancer, later in life

·        High blood pressure (hypertension).