BENEFITS OF FRUIT

Fruit are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals and they are high in fiber.

Fruits are the edible fleshy part of a tree or a plant that contains seeds. Fruits come in a variety of flavors, including sweet, sour, bittersweet, and many more. They are great sources of many nutrients required by our body.We have six (6)types of fruit:

* simple fruit e.g tomat,cherry,okra

* Aggregate fruit e.g blackberry,custard apple

* Multiple fruit e.g pineapple

* Berries e.g Blueberries

* Accessory fruit e.g apple,strawberry

*Seedless fruit

Eating fruit has numerous benefits to the human health. Here are some key benefits

1.Great source of essential vitamins: They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals,fiber and phytonutrients/photochemical(Common phytonutrients include carotenoids such as lutein, flavonoids, coumarins, indoles, isoflavones, lignans, organosulfures and plant sterols). Eating a variety of fruits in the form of a fruit salad can go a long way in stimulating the energy level and health factor of the body.

2.Keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay: Fruits also reduce the risk of heart diseases,stroke,and even cancer. Fruits like apricot, apple, grapefruit are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, fibre, potassium and magnesium that protects the heart against a plethora of diseases.To avoid having cardiovascular disease do away with tobacco,alcohol…etc

3.Regulates blood pressure: Fruits like bananas, oranges, avocado that are rich in potassium can help you maintain a normal blood pressure. They are also low in carbs and fat; hence they naturally prove healthier than any other food substitute.

4.High in fibre content: The presence of dietary fibre in fruits can keep the blood cholesterol level in check and also reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in individuals. Fibre-rich fruits such as strawberry, apple, banana and mango also possess anti-carcinogenic properties.

5.Excellent source of nutrition for pregnant women: Fruits contain folate (folic acid) that helps the body to form red blood cells. It is advisable for pregnant women to consume fruits (orange and grapefruit) in optimum amounts and enrich their body with folic acid. It helps reduce the risk of physical and mental deformities in the foetus.

6.Keeps body weight in check: Fruits

that are rich in vitamin C prove beneficial in controlling the body weight. Moreover, fruits do not contain any saturated fats or cholesterol that are harmful for cardiac health or Eating fruits instead of processed snacks can help control calorie intake and maintain healthy weight.

7.Aids in digestion: Fruits with high-fibre content retain laxative properties and ease the process of digestion in the human body. This also prevents the formation of kidney stones.it helps prevent constipation

8.Nourishing the skin and hair: They are high on anti-oxidants that help the skin to retain its radiance and glow. Many fruits are rich in vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and can help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors.

Fruits like papaya, coconut, etc. can fight various dermatological disorders. Fruits containing vitamin A give the hair a lustrous look.

9.Hydrates the body: Owing to the high amount of water in most of the fruits, they are an easy and quick source of hydration. Their intake is equally important during summers and winters.

10.Boosts the immune system: Fruits are rich in calcium, magnesium and even essential vitamins like Vit K and Vit E. These can treat various chronic disorders and also improve our resistance against germs and diseases.

In other words fruit are very essential to our health ,it should be part of our every day diet.It is recommended to eat a variety of fruits as each type contains a unique set of nutrients. It is also important to consume them in moderation and avoid fruit juices that are high in sugar.