The Health Benefits of Fruits

In recent years, the value of a fruit diet has been more and more stressed and researches point to the numerous health benefits that a person can gain from including fruits (at least 3-5 pieces) in their daily diet regimen.

What are the reasons why fruit are considered as healthy foods?

We have to look into the components of fruits to be able to explain this "phenomenon".

What are they made of? What makes them different from other foods?

Below are the constituents of fruits that make them a leading health food.

1. Fiber content

The fiber content of fruit is high. Some of the skins of fruits have more fiber content than the fleshy part just like in apples. Fibers are every important in the body and prevents several disease as mentioned below.

2. Vitamins (A,B, & C)

Fruits have at least 40 mg/100 g of flesh fruit. Guava is the fruit with the most Vitamins C. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to prevent scurvy and other diseases.

3. Minerals

Fruit usually have low sodium content therefore reducing the risk of obesity. It contains iron, zinc, and many more, which are important in the formation of blood and in other biochemical processes.

4. Phytochemicals

These substances help eliminate the toxins and bad cells from the body.

5. Anti-oxidants

Just like phytochemicals, foreign harmful substances are equalized and excreted with the help of these substances.

6. Proteins and carbohydrates

Essential amino acids and monosaccharide are derived from fruits. Proteins are the "building blocks" of the body and carbohydrates in the form of monosaccharide provide a source of energy. Both are helpful in the physiologic and biochemical functions of the body.

The risk of contracting these diseases/conditions is decreased by daily intake of fruits:

1. Cardiac diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are least likely to develop when you're a fruit eater. This is because of the various healthy components of fruit as mentioned above.

2. Hypertension

Coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, fruits help reduce the risk of hypertension. This is because of the anti oxidants in them that tend to eliminate the fats from the body. Lowering the fats usually lowers hypertension caused by high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

3. Cancer

The risk of cancer is reduced because of the phytochemicals and antitoxins contained in fruits. These substances ward off cancer cells and provide sufficient fiber and other essential nutrients to reduce the risk of the formation of cancer cells.

4. Constipation

Due to their high fiber diet, fruits prevent constipation caused by diet. Fibers retain water and are therefore responsible in having softer stools which could be easily defecated preventing strain and unnecessary physical exertion.

5. Obesity

Fruits are low in calories. When a person eats fruit everyday, the calories taken in is reduced; therefore, would be preventing the deposition of extra the calories- by calorie-

producing foods. Sodium content is low too therefore helping in the retention of water in the adipose tissue reducing obesity/

6. Respiratory problems

This is because of the anti-toxin effect of fruits in which they clean up the system of harmful substances like those in the respiratory tract.

7. Diabetes

There is a reduced risk of contracting Type II diabetes when a person eats fruit, because the sugar in fruit is not the type that can cause diabetes. If a person has a "sweet tongue", then fruits are the best alternative to cakes, chocolates and sweets.

Fruits are a blast, so grab one now and savor its unique taste and enjoy the health benefits that go with it.