I admit it. I recall many a night spent pushing my vegetables around on my plate, hoping to spread them thin enough to make it appear as if I had finished a few more bites. And one night, when that didn’t work, I sneakily filled my mouth with those offensive green things and marched off to the bathroom to flush them to the fish. (Dad caught on quickly and he wasn’t pleased. I didn’t try it ever again.)
But now, as an adult, I have to give our parent credit, they were right when they told us, “Eat your vegetables!” If you still haven’t embraced making effort to eat a variety of veggies daily, here are a few reasons why you should reconsider.
- Shed unwanted pounds! Eating more fruits and vegetables could help you lose weight.
- Heart health. Studies show that eating more fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of heart attack and/or stroke.
- Less cancer?!?! Consuming more tomato based products could reduce the risk of prostate cancer for men. Also eating more fruits and veggies can reduce your risk of breast and colon cancer.
- Strong bones! Eat more fruits and vegetables to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- See better. More fruits and vegetables in your diet may prevent eye diseases including cataracts.
- Healthy nervous system. Reduce your risk of ALS “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” by eating bright vegetables rich in carotenoids.
- Stay smart! Consuming more fruits and veggies can help ward off dementia.
In reality we should just say that every single cell, organ and system in your body benefits from more veggies! Make it your goal to eat an extra serving of vegetables daily in the coming week. Eat them with pleasure in anticipation of a longer, healthier life!
In love and health,
Dr. Stephanie ?
References: Hung, H.C., et al., Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of major chronic disease. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2004. 96(21): p. 1577-84.
Wiseman, M., The second World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research expert report. Food, nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of cancer: a global perspective. Proc Nutr Soc, 2008. 67(3): p. 253-6.
Christen, W.G., et al., Dietary carotenoids, vitamins C and E, and risk of cataract in women: a prospective study. Arch Ophthalmol, 2008. 126(1): p. 102-9.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3419346/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/als-risk-reduced-by-eating-brightly-colored-vegetables-study-suggests/