We all know we should eat fuits and vegetables (and for some of us, just those words will bring back childhood lectures from our parents!!) but many people are still deficient in their fruit and vegetable intake, and not eating close to the recommended 5 to 7 portions per day.
Fruit and veg are an essential part of our diet, providing a wide range of vitamins and minerals that serve an array of important functions in the human body. There are a whole load of reasons to eat a variety of colourful fresh items form your local grocer, farm shop or your supermarket.
- Fruits and vegetables are virtually fat free
- Fruits and vegetables are low in salt
- Fruits and vegetables are an excellent course of fibre
- Some fruits and veg such as carrots and cantaloupe melon provide Vitamin A which helps maintain eye health and immunity
- Other fruits and veg such as bananas and spinach contain potassium, which is necessary for proper nerve and muscle functioning
- Green veg such as broccoli and asparagus provide B Vitamins, which are necessary for converting food into energy
- All fruit and vegetables contain phytonutrients, the health-promoting components of plants. Scientific studies show that phytonutrients can help protect key organs, including the eyes, heart, liver and skin and they may also serve as antioxidants.
This is what Herbalife’s Luigi Gratton, M.D., M.P.H. has to say on Antioxidants:
Current research has measured the total antioxidant power of various foods, citing fruits and vegetables at the top of the list. Antioxidants protect our bodies from free radicals that can cause damage to cellular membranes. Antioxidants also boost our immunity, help make our muscles stronger and support bone and skin health. Since eating the recommended daily servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is not always realistic, try supplementing your diet with appropriate products.
There are a number of Herbalife products that can help to boost your vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and your antioxidant protection. If you would like a personal recommendation for products that are available in your country please contact us. You can also browse the product range for UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand at out online store – simply click on your country’s flag!
Further Reading:
What Color Is Your Diet? – David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., Director UCLA Centre for Human Nutrition
