Fruits and Vegetables for Disease Prevention
Fruits and Vegetables for Disease Prevention
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is not only important for maintaining a healthy weight and general health, but it can help prevent chronic diseases and conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease is the world’s leading killer. All fruits and vegetables are good choices for the prevention of heart disease and stroke, but the best choices are green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. How fruits and vegetables lower cholesterol is still a bit of a mystery. However, some experts think that the soluble fiber in them helps block the absorption of cholesterol from other foods.
Cancer
It appears that eating more fruit may lower the risk of cancers of the esophagus, stomach and lungs, and reduces the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, colon-rectum, larynx, kidney and bladder.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Indigestible fiber that comes from fruits and vegetables is important for preventing intestinal ailments. As fiber passes through the digestive system, it soaks up water and expands. This can calm irritable bowels and decrease pressure inside the intestinal tract.
Cataracts and Macular Degeneration
Usually related to aging, a cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye’s lens. Macular degeneration is damage to the center of the retina. Dark green leafy vegetables contain two pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin) that aid in protecting the eye. And the vitamin A found in carrots, cantaloupe and pumpkin aids in night vision.
Birth Defects
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are major defects of a baby’s brain or spine. Folate (folic acid) is a B vitamin used in the body to make new cells. Most NTDs can be prevented if a woman has enough of this in her body before becoming pregnant. Folic acid is found in asparagus, cooked spinach and certain fortified breakfast cereals.
Other diseases and conditions that can be prevented are coronary artery disease and osteoporosis, as well as dental problems and skin infections. The next time you get hungry, consider eating a fruit or vegetable.
Fruits and Vegetables for Disease Prevention
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