Fruit Everyday

We all grew up with the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and we now know for sure how truthful and correct this old saying is. Fruit is rightly known as “nature’s candy” as it is a sweet treat that is not only tasty but healthy as well.

Fruit is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Fruit is delicious and nutritious and is available in such a wide variety that there is so much to choose from.

A healthy snack, meal or dessert, fruit is a versatile food that can be enjoyed raw or eaten cooked, baked, poached or steamed. There are endless ways to enjoy fruit and there’s something for everyone in the wide world of fruits.

Fresh fruits pack a powerful punch of many health benefits, a few of which are:

1. Energy

Fruits are a wonderful source of natural energy. The carbohydrates in fruits occur as natural sugars which get easily digested by the body and provide instant energy. People often reach for things such a granola bar for energy, not realizing that even “health food” can be sold loaded with sugar in different forms. So next time you feel you need a burst of energy, grab a piece of fruit.

2. Fiber

Fruits provide natural fiber to the body. Fiber helps regulate the body’s digestive system and a diet rich in natural fiber is recommended for the maintenance of good health. Fiber not only optimizes digestion but it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and controls cholesterol. Eating 3-5 serving of fruit per day gives you your recommended daily fiber intake.

3. Minerals

Fruits are chock-full of minerals that are essential for the many different functions within the body. Minerals such as potassium which is found in substantial amounts in bananas, peaches and plums is important for regulating blood pressure.

4. Vitamins

All fruits are loaded with different kinds of vitamins. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons provide vitamin C which helps strengthen the body’s immune system, whereas vitamin B9 found in papayas and cantaloupe melons repair and create red blood cells in the body.

5. Weight management

Fruits are low in calories and high in nutrition. Eating fruit makes you fuller faster and for longer while providing you with healthy fiber and essential antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Fruit is a great substitute for processed snacks and high calorie desserts. All good weight management plans recommend including fruit in the diet as it can help lose weight while increasing vigor and vitality. If you want to stay at an acceptable weight for your height and age, replace the snacks and desserts in your diet with fresh wholesome fruits.

The benefits of fruit are great and varied. No one ever suffered by consuming fruit; it is a win-win situation and including fresh fruit in the diet should be made a norm in every family and should also be encouraged at the workplace.

So eat fresh fruit daily for a fitter, happier, healthier and a more productive life!