Fruits and vegetables should be an integral part of our daily diet. There are not a few studies that have shown the beneficial effects of these foods on our health.
More specifically, fruits and vegetables contain bioactive or bioactive components that contribute to improving our health by reducing the risk of various diseases. Antioxidants (e.g. ascorbic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E) found in fruits and vegetables of every season are such ingredients.
Some of the beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables in the human body are:
- cardioprotective
- neuroprotective
- anticancer
- anti-inflammatory action
- contribution to gastrointestinal health
- protection of the immune system
- antiallergic
- antidiabetic
- regulation of hormones
- In addition to all the above, consuming the necessary portions of fruits and vegetables daily has been associated with a lower probability of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, etc.
It is recommended to consume 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. In other words, consume 2-3 fruits daily and 2 salads, i.e. to accompany both our lunch and dinner with vegetables. Salads can be raw as well as baked or boiled. Last but not least, it is good to prefer seasonal fruits and vegetables.