Fruit and vegetables alike are an allsignificant part of every day dieting. They are by nature full of goodness and provide many vitamins but also minerals that could help to maintain good health. Research has shown that they could also serve against many diseases. Most people will derive important health benefits, from a well-adjusted, daily diet, and from a physically active life-style.

Vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables

Fruits and also vegetables incorporate several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are highly beneficial. These nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid (a vitamin B ) , vitamin E and multiple minerals such as zinc, phosphorous, magnesium, etc. Research based on the regular intake of folic acid has demonstrated that it could bring down homocysteine blood levels down, a particular substance that could be a possible cause of coronary thrombosis (heart disease).

Consume two or three serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day for health- benefits. They are both low in salt and in fat and contain a sound amount of dietary fiber. As components of a good healthy diet and active life-style, both could assist to:

* Lose and maintain the right weight

* Bring down your cholesterol

* Bring down elevated blood pressure.

Protection against diseases with fruit and vegetables

Both fruits and vegetables contain important phytochemicals, or 'plant chemicals'. These active (biological) agents can and do provide protection from many diseases. Numerous scientific research projects have shown that a regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables may lower the risk of suffering:

* Stroke

* Type2 diabetes

*Cardiovascular disease -

* Cancer - some types of cancer in later life

*Hypertension (elevated blood pressure).

Eat sufficient amounts of fruit (two serves) and of vegetables( five serves) daily

Varied fruits and types of vegetables contain varied number and types of nutrients. According to the guidlines of the National Health and Medical Research Council, adults should consume at minimum five serves of different vegetables and two or three serves of fruit each day. A national study, carried out by the Government of Australia, shows that all age groups, consume inadequate amounts of fruit and vegetables in their diet..

Children, since they have a lesser stomach capacity but much higher energy requirements. They can not consume the equivalent size serving as adults. They should however, be convist to consume an assortment of fruits and vegetables and start effectively practicing early on in life good eating habits and brhaviors.

By consuming suficients amounts, generally children will experience high energy levels required in order to play, sleep well, better concentration, learning capacity, and build up stronger bones and teeth. Establishing good and effective habits, in early life, of a sound diet, will provide protection throughout life span.

Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables