Go back and think about a time when you were still a kid. What did your parents use to say at the table during dinner? “Eat your vegetables.” Rings a bell? Admit it. You didn’t like it one bit.
Or have you ever noticed how people automatically bring you fruits whenever you’re sick? That basket of oranges they say will help boost your immune system? Familiar, right?
And what’s that famous saying…An apple a day keeps the doctor away? An not only apples; crisp fruits and raw vegetables, like carrots and celery, help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection, something which we were able to realize with the help of Method Dental.
Guess what? They were all right. You should eat them, and the apples do keep the doctor away. But we all know that, don’t we?
We all know they’re healthy and that we should include them in our daily diet to be healthy but it’s just so hard for some of us to actually do it. In fact, studies in the US recommend that if you have a plate full of food every meal, half of it should be for fruits and vegetables or 4 to 6 cups a day.
There are numerous choices in the market when it comes to fruits and vegetables, all with varying nutritional content. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. All with different but equally important benefits our body.
What comes to mind when you hear raw fruits and vegetables?
One thing: Salads.
That’s the easiest way to eat them, right?
But of course, there’s more to that regular salad than meets the eye.
If you’re already on a diet, you probably have these in your daily food intake. If you’re into raw veganism, then you have this area covered.
Since we were young, we were taught about the food pyramid and our friendly fruits and vegetables aren’t in that pyramid for nothing.
Let’s take a look at more reasons on why you should add raw fruits and vegetables in your diet:
1. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients. Hands down! They do so much for the human body and you can get them from fruits and vegetables. They make your bones stronger, prevent birth defects, and keep your teeth healthy. These micronutrients also prevent numerous diseases when taken in the right amounts.
2. They’re pleasing to the eyes.
Cooking sometimes dulls the color of food. Eating them raw keeps the color and crisp to them, making eating and dieting more fun and enticing. Who wants dull and soggy veggies, right?
3. They’re convenient and quick.
Raw foods may have a shorter shelf life, sure, but that’s because they’re so fresh. These are readily available in most groceries. Wash them. Eat them. You can even pop in some fruits in your bag when you’re on-the-go for a quick snack fix. There are so many ways to consume aside from just plainly eating them. There’s also juicing and blending.
The epitome of convenience would have to be planting them in your backyard. Some would even put them in plant boxes and pots for those who don’t have a piece of land to cultivate. Urban farming is the thing these days. Imagine just having to pick your food from the garden. That’s farm-to-table dinner right there.
4. They’re great for weight loss.
Another misconception with diets is that they don’t fill you. You know… Cutting servings? You want to eat and lose weight but still, feel full? Fruits and vegetables are filling, but they’re low in calories so they help greatly with weight loss and maintenance while still giving you the energy that you need to get through the day. Their water and fiber content helps make you feel fuller without taking in too many calories.
5. They reduce your risk of getting chronic diseases.
Fiber is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. According to the Institute of Medicine, men who are age 50 or younger need 38 grams of fiber daily and 25 grams for women. For age 51 or older, it’s 30 grams for men and 21 grams for women. Fiber is popular in the prevention and relief of constipation and weight loss, but it has more health benefits than meets the eye. It has been linked to lowering the risks of getting cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even some cancer types. Generally, fiber helps you live healthier and longer.
6. There’s plenty to choose from.
Do you know how many plant species are there in the world? In research by the Royal Botanic Gardens, there are an estimated 390,000 plant species in the whole world with approximately 1,000 to 2,000 species that are edible for human consumption. There are seasonal and indigent fruits and vegetables, of course, but with thousands of them, there’s something to try all year round.
7. They’re delicious and natural.
One thing that makes it hard to start and maintain a diet is because we often think diet foods are bland and boring. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of diet foods that vary in taste, texture, and smell for your discerning palate. And the best thing is, they’re natural!
8. Which comes down to, they’re healthier, overall.
We can’t reiterate this enough. Remember, when you need to choose between boiling or steaming? People on a diet usually choose to steam because although, any way of cooking makes your vegetables lose some nutrients, steaming preserves color, flavor and nutrient content way better than boiling.
It’s the same as when you have to choose between raw and cooked fruits and vegetables. Less heating, the better, which makes raw more nutritious.
Conclusion
To conclude, eating raw foods and vegetables has numerous health benefits. Increasing their intake is a great way to protect you from diseases and fight them, and ultimately help you achieve your desired weight goal.
Make sure you wash and clean them up thoroughly before consumption to avoid bacteria. Also, take note of fruits and vegetables that can’t be eaten raw. It’s always important, however, to create a balance in your diet. Remember, too much is bad too. But having the right amount of everything can benefit you greatly! Always be on the safe side and plan your diet well.
Also Read- The Best Juices To Drink For Added Nutrients