Over hundreds of fruits known, are valuable as human foods both for immediate consumption and for commercial purpose. They can be eaten both in their fresh state, and as jams and preserves.
They can also be processed into juices: orange, pineapples, apples, mixed fruit juices and etc, and as utiliseable products such as: flavours (for ice creams, cakes, muffins, cookies, yoghurt etc).
Fruits are very beneficial to the health of human, when fruits are consumed regularly and adequately, it could help with reducing the risk of several disease as well as issues associated with ageing.
Fruits are generally low in fat, sodium and calories and are free of cholesterol.
Sodium: Low sodium keeps the body high blood pressure and swelling under control and also heart failure too.
Maintains blood pressure and regulates water retainment.
Fat: Low fat in fruits, restricts fat in the body and reduces obesity and also diseases of the heart.
Calories: Fruits low in calories help in adequate weight loss and provides the body with energy.
Cholesterol: When not much in food, reduces blood pressure and also the amount of fat in the blood stream.
Amongst other nutrients, fruits are very rich in water, fibre and also Vitamin C.
Water: Makes the volume of most fruits. It contais minute ( or no) calories. It get rids of toxins found in the body, improves digestion, mood and also complexion as well as body weight balance and energy boosting.
Fibre: Reduces blood cholesterol, lowers the risk of heart diseases, useful for bowel function and reduces constipation. It's gives you a sense of satisfaction with little or no calories.
Vitamin C: Helps in growing and the repairing of worn out or dead body tissues, it quickens the healing of body cuts and wounds. Helps in Scurvy, mouth sours, etc and helps to keep the gum and teeth healthy.
Other nutrients found in Fruits are:
- Potassium: Maintains the blood pressure for a healthy living.
- Folic acid (folate): This causes the formation of red blood cells in the body and so is adviced for usage in cases of low blood count, pregnant women and also during menstrual period for young girls and ladies.
- Vitamins A, E and K:
• Vitamin A helps in maintaining good vision.
• Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps the body destroys free radicals.
Vitamin K helps the body forms clots, this is sent when the body has a scratch or an injury. It prevents and cuts excessive bleedings. - Phytochemicals: These are substances that help fight against pathogens, decreases the risk of chronic diseases due to the antioxidants found in them.
It also increase the blood flow of the heart.
Health benefits
Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
Eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.
Source.Below is a picture chart of some selected fruits and brief summary of their health benefits.
Fruits are not just tasty and nice but are also very nutritious, containing good amounts of useful nutrients known to be beneficial to the body's health and so healthy daily eating of fruits is encouraged for a healthy living.
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