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When Fruits and Vegetables Aren't Your Friends: A Nutritional Guide

When Fruits and Vegetables Aren't Your Friends: A Nutritional Guide

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As nutritionists often say, fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. However, some people might not enjoy eating them. Fruits and vegetables are good for you because they have many nutrients that your body needs. What happens to your body if you don't eat enough veggies and fruit or dislike eating them? 

 

What are the consequences of not consuming fruits and vegetables in your diet?

A lack of interest in fruits and vegetables can have serious consequences for your health, however insignificant it may seem at the time:

Vitamin and minerals deficiencies

Vegetables and fruit contain a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that are crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to diseases such as:

  • Scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency
  • Night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency
  • Blood clotting disorders due to vitamin K deficiency
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Osteoporosis due to calcium deficiency
  • Goiter due to iodine deficiency

Read more: Which Healthier, Cut Fruit Or Fruit Jus?

Cardiovascular diseases

A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables may offer protection against cardiovascular diseases. Eating more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day can decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease by 20%.

Various vegetables, including asparagus, celery, lettuce, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, soybeans, and sesame, have demonstrated significant potential in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Vegetables and fruits include many bioactive components that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet properties, therefore helping in the protection of the heart.

Digestive problems

Perfect sources of fiber are fruit and vegetables. Fiber improves digestion, helps with constipation, and stimulates bowel movements. Additionally, fiber assists in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the lowering of cholesterol.

Diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and intestinal issues may result from inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. In order to improve digestive health, it is recommended to consume a varied variety of fruits and vegetables every day and gradually increase fiber intake to allow the digestive system to adjust.

Read more: Benefits Of Eating Papaya Fruit, From Eyes To Implementation

Cancer

Lack of consumption of fruits and vegetables can elevate the risk of cancer. Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, are present in fruits and vegetables and provide protection for body cells from free radical damage. Exposure to free radicals can result in DNA damage and a higher risk of cancer.

The consumption of fiber from fruits and vegetables is beneficial for the preservation of a healthy digestive system and the prevention of colon cancer. Additionally, phytochemicals, including carotenoids and flavonoids, exhibit anticancer properties. These compounds can prevent the development of cancer cells and aid in the fight against carcinogenesis (cancer formation).

Metabolic diseases

Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables can lead to a decrease in the intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients have a crucial role in controlling blood pressure, fat metabolism, and glucose levels, hence increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of medical problems that encompasses central obesity (excessive waist circumference), hypertension, elevated blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels.

 

If you experience difficulty consuming fruits and vegetables, you can either visit a doctor, a nutritionists, or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

 

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

Writer : Agatha Writer
Editor :
  • dr Nadia Opmalina
Last Updated : Tuesday, 16 July 2024 | 07:53