It’s the age of supplements. But there’s no replacement for vitamins and minerals from the OG source: fruits and vegetables.
There’s so much packed into them; no wonder we were grounded for not finishing our plates! But did you know even as adults, we may not be getting the right amount? More on that later.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of fruits and vegetables. There is a surprise ahead, so read on!
What are the key benefits of a fruit and veggie-rich diet?
Fruits and vegetables offer many health benefits. They have important nutrients like fibre, potassium, magnesium, and polyphenols.
These nutrients help keep our bodies healthy, especially our hearts and blood vessels. Eating more fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease and stroke risk, prevent some cancers, and help with eye and digestive health.
They also help control blood sugar and appetite. However, most adults don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables daily.
How many fruits and vegetables do adults need daily?
I looked at different sources, but I think no matter what figure I put here, I know we are all going to think it’s too much.
Be that as it may, federal guidelines say adult women should eat at least 1½ cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables daily.
The American Heart Association suggests 4-5 servings of both fruits and vegetables each day. One fruit serving is one medium fruit or ½ cup of fresh, frozen, or canned fruit. One vegetable serving is 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables or ½ cup of fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables.
Harvard research shows that five servings per day give the best health benefits. However, only 9% of adults eat enough vegetables, and 12% eat enough fruit, based on CDC data from 2015.
Now I promised a surprise earlier. Here goes:
Fruits and veggies for Viagra-like effects!
Did you know vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, and carrots can have Viagra-like effects? Of course, none of these can replace the medicine itself, but what do you have to lose with vegetables?
Spinach can help improve blood circulation, similar to Viagra. It is rich in folate, an amino acid that lowers harmful homocysteine levels in the blood, which can cause plaque in arteries and blood vessels.
Eating plenty of spinach, like a bowl of spinach soup, can improve circulation in genital areas.
Veggies are harmless per se (read the next bit to see exceptions), and it’s cool to try this out, but if you’re into alternate therapies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before using alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
What are the downsides one can expect from eating fruits and vegetables?
You can’t overdo a good thing and expect better results. It’s all about balance.
Eating mostly fruit can cause nutrient deficiencies and health problems because it’s low in protein and can raise blood sugar.
Too much or only eating fruits can also cause indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain, heartburn, and sugar imbalance.
And these issues usually come from overeating vegetables, too, especially if there’s a sudden intake of fibre.
To avoid them, eat a balanced diet with different fruits and vegetables.
Nevertheless, the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are much greater than the downsides, and they can help reduce the risk of many illnesses.
Takeaways
The younger me would never forgive myself for writing on the importance of having fruits and veggies, but it had to be done.
Here’s what I hope I highlighted in this article:
Fruits and vegetables are very healthy. They have many nutrients that are good for us. But many adults don’t eat enough of them. Eating more fruits and vegetables can make our hearts healthier and lower the risk of some illnesses.
Some vegetables, like spinach, can even have Viagra-like effects. It’s important to eat a balanced diet with different fruits and vegetables.
Eating too much fruit or only eating fruits can cause problems. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can make us healthier and happier.
For more information, visit Canadian pharmacy