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Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables are beneficial to your body, containing different nutrients that make an impact on your health. Here are some ways fruits and vegetables benefit your health and well-being. Nutrients Fruits and vegetables are a good source of nutrients, containing: Vitamins There are many different vitamins in fruits and vegetables, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamins help boost the immune system, convert food into energy, and more. Minerals  Minerals are essential in the body and aid in making hormones, as well as aiding in the functioning of the heart and brain. Magnesium  Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, nerve function, and more. Zinc Zinc helps the immune system fight off bacteria. Fruits and vegetables contain many antioxidants. They can also be anti-inflammatory, meaning they fight chronic inflammation that linked to major diseases such as cancer and diabetes.4 Another interesting nutritional fact is that different colors of fruits and vegetables represent a different phytochemical, a chemical and nutrient produced by plants.5 The color of a fruit or vegetable also indicates what kind of nutrients it has. Red fruits and vegetables contain potassium and vitamin C, whereas orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are high in fiber.

Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and smoking leads to an unhealthy heart. The cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise and cause heart blockage, ultimately weakening the heart muscles. Eating healthily by including fresh green vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, and plant sources of protein in your diet, limiting the intake of meat, and avoiding junk food, animal fat, and sugary foods helps reduce cholesterol and improve heart health

Tips for Healthy Eating: Maintain healthy eating habits by avoiding foods, such as butter or fried foods, to help lower your cholesterol. Eliminate sugars by choosing water or tea over soda and high-sugar fruit juices. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables provide nutrients while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Nuts and other high fiber foods help to lower cholesterol and keep you full, lowering your chances of overeating. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and non-dairy foods including broccoli, kale, and almonds provide a great source of calcium. Whole grain pasta, bread and cereal are better options than foods made with processed white flour. Fish, beans, peas and eggs are all great sources of protein. Pay attention to how you cook your food. It is best to avoid frying foods and to steam vegetables so that the nutrients are not lost. Benefits: Understanding the changes your body will make with age will help you appreciate why healthy shopping and eating habits are important. Every year after 40, your metabolism slows down, burning fewer calories. Eating healthy habits will help you avoid high cholesterol and weight gain, amongst other health risks. Maintaining a healthy diet keeps organs, bones, muscles and other body parts strong, while the vitamins and nutrients in fruits and vegetables keep the mind sharp. Healthy meals give you more energy; keeping you alert, on your feet, and independent. Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio offers a variety of private-duty services, including assistance with grocery shopping and meal preparation to meet the dietary needs of each client. If your loved one is in need of extra assistance, call now to discuss care options today.