Fruits and vegetables are a very important source of nutrients for our body, as they contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber that are fundamental for optimal health. Nutritionists will always recommend incorporating them into our diet and consuming at least 5 portions of these per day.
And what are fruits and vegetables used for?
Some of the main benefits of consuming vegetables are:
- They help cleanse the body.
- They contribute to enjoying good digestion.
- They help us look and feel healthier.
- They benefit the strengthening of the bacterial flora and improve circulation.
- They boost our defenses.
- They allow us to show off beautiful skin.
- They are free of artificial preservatives and colors.
- They improve nervous system function.
Some of the vegetables that provide us with great health benefits and that we should incorporate into our diet are:
Cucumber: It is rich in water and fiber, helping with digestion. It also improves stomach pH and combats acid reflux, while at the same time relaxing the nervous system and relieving the impact of anxiety and stress because it is abundant in B-group vitamins.
Swiss chard: It provides a large amount of calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, and other minerals that also promote bone health.
Celery: Thanks to the minerals it contains, it acts as a purifying agent, meaning it acts as a body detoxifier. It also contains potassium, which prevents fluid retention and eliminates toxins. Similarly, another property of celery is that it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Spinach: It has high levels of carotenoids, which provide it with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has a very significant contribution of vitamins K, A, C, and folic acid, as well as manganese, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B2, which favors good circulation, cellular regeneration, and bone formation.
Broccoli: Its high content of iron, chlorophyll, and folic acid makes this a highly recommended food for people with anemia. It is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc that help keep bones healthy and strong.
Spirulina: It is a freshwater algae, and among its great benefits is that it provides a significant amount of protein. It also provides essential amino acids for tissue and muscle formation. It favors blood oxygenation as it helps in the formation of red blood cells, thus benefiting athletes and people with anemia, and increases our defenses by strengthening our immune system.
Fruits are also a fundamental food for health. Some of their benefits are:
- They are a source of antioxidants, so they prevent premature cell aging, giving you clearer, younger, smoother, healthier skin and a better quality of life.
- They help us prevent various diseases such as those related to cardiovascular problems and digestive disorders.
- They are sweet, tasty, and low in calories, making them a good alternative for snacks.
- They produce a feeling of satiety because some of them contain fiber, thus avoiding snacking all day. Additionally, they favor the regulation of intestinal transit.
Some of the fruits you should consider adding to your diet are:
Strawberries: They belong to the berry family, making them a fruit with high levels of antioxidants and a great contribution of vitamin C.
Pineapple: It has diuretic properties that contribute to the elimination of toxins; furthermore, at the digestive level, it stimulates the production of gastric juices, helping with digestion.
Green apple: It is a natural source of flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain radiant skin, thus avoiding cellular aging.
Papaya: It contains an enzyme called papain that facilitates digestion. It has a high content of fiber and water, which help prevent constipation and promote regularity and digestive tract health.
By: Indira González
Nutritionist – Line Specialist at Laboratorios Funat