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Why is it important to eat fruit? 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, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice. Dietary fiber from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. I t 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 dietary fiber~ fruit juices contain lit t le or no fiber. Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body t issues, 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, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.

The high vitamin and mineral content found in superfoods can help your body ward off diseases and keep you healthier. When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these foods can promote heart health, weight loss, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of aging. Antioxidants found in many superfoods may help prevent cancer, while healthy fats can reduce your risk of heart disease. Fiber, which is also found in many superfoods, can help prevent diabetes and digestive problems while phytochemicals have numerous health benefits including reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Superfoods are also known to protect your organs from toxins, help lower cholesterol, regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.

10 benefits of eating fruits Great source of essential vitamins: They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Eating a variety of fruits in the form of a fruit salad can go a long way in stimulating the energy level and health factor of the body. Keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay: Fruits also reduce the risk of heart-related diseases and even cancer. Fruits like apricot, apple, grapefruit are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, fibre, potassium and magnesium that protects the heart against a plethora of diseases. High in fibre content: The presence of dietary fibre in fruits can keep the blood cholesterol level in check and also reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in individuals. Fibre-rich fruits such as strawberry, apple, banana and mango also possess anti-carcinogenic properties. Excellent source of nutrition for pregnant women: Fruits contain folate (folic acid) that helps the body to form red blood cells. It is advisable for pregnant women to consume fruits (orange and grapefruit) in optimum amounts and enrich their body with folic acid. It helps reduce the risk of physical and mental deformities in the foetus. Regulates blood pressure: Fruits like bananas, oranges, avocado that are rich in potassium can help you maintain a normal blood pressure. They are also low in carbs and fat; hence they naturally prove healthier than any other food substitute. Keeps body weight in check: Fruits that are rich in vitamin C prove beneficial in controlling the body weight. Moreover, fruits do not contain any saturated fats or cholesterol that are harmful for cardiac health. Aids in digestion: Fruits with high-fibre content retain laxative properties and ease the process of digestion in the human body. This also prevents the formation of kidney stones. Nourishing the skin and hair: They are high on anti-oxidants that help the skin to retain its radiance and glow. Fruits like papaya, coconut, etc. can fight various dermatological disorders. Fruits containing vitamin A give the hair a lustrous look. Hydrates the body: Owing to the high amount of water in most of the fruits, they are an easy and quick source of hydration. Their intake is equally important during summers and winters.

Proper nutrition promotes healthy pregnancy outcomes, supports normal growth, development and ageing, helps to maintain a healthy body weight, and reduces the risk of chronic disease leading to overall health and wellbeing.