The Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables: A Comprehensive Guide

Parents encourage children to eat fruits and veggies regularly. Although some might consider such reminders a parental obligation, eating fruits and vegetables on a daily basis has proven beneficial to human health.

Benefits

• Fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the body's system from some diseases and infections. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption provides extensive benefits including improved vision and increased energy levels.

Weight Loss

• According to Camp Shane, a weight-loss camp for children, a high fiber diet of fruit and green vegetables has been linked to obesity reduction. To incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet, eat salads with lunch and dinner, and drink vegetable juice for breakfast. Camp Shane suggests reserving half to three-fourths of your plate for veggies only.

Disease Prevention

• Harvard University School of Public Health recommends eating fruits and vegetables daily to ward off heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, carotenoids and isoflavones, known to prevent cancer. Eating green vegetables can minimize gastrointestinal disorders, such as diverticulitis and colitis.