Saturday, November 6, 2010

Why Eat Vegetables?


Eat your vegetables! Every person most likely came across this saying at some point in their lives. Children are taught at young age to eat their veggie. Why is there such a great emphasize on eating vegetables? Fresh vegetables provide various health benefits. People who eat more fruits have a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases. 


Daily vegetable consumption reduces risk for stroke, cardiovascular diseases, as well as type 2 diabetes.  The nutrients found in vegetables protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer. Vegetables high in potassium reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss. Vegetable high in potassium include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white beans, tomato products, beet greens, soybeans, lima beans, winter squash, spinach, lentils, kidney beans, and split peas. 

Vegetables are great source of vitamins, especially A, E, and C. Vitamin A is vital for our eyes and skin healthy, and it helps to protect our bodies against infections. Vitamin E protects artery, and heart health. Avocados are rich with vitamin E. Vitamin C strengthens immune system. Cabbage, chard, collard greens, green peppers, kale, parsley, and mustard green contain an excellent source of vitamin C. 

Next time you hear a saying "Eat your vegetables", remember the reason why. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of a human body.  

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