Fruit and its benefits or how much fruit is a lot of fruit?
If we did a poll comparing the popularity of fruits to vegetables, fruits would win 100%. That's clear to us. Because such fresh blueberries, strawberries or perhaps cherries? Most of the time, no one will refuse this, and neither will the desserts made from them. And that's good. Fruits bring us many health benefits. What are they and how much fruit should you ideally eat during the day?
High content of vitamins and minerals
Each type of fruit carries its own rich package of nutrients. For example, citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and supports healthy skin. Bananas are known for their potassium content, which is important for regulating heart rhythm and maintaining normal blood pressure. The variety of fruits allows you to easily get all the important vitamins and minerals your body needs.
A delicious source of fiber
Fiber is an indispensable element of the diet that supports digestion and healthy bowel function. There are exactly two types - soluble and insoluble. You can find the soluble one in fruit pulps, it helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol and thus protects our heart. On the other hand, you will find insoluble fiber in the skins, such as those of apples. This fiber helps prevent constipation and keeps our stools healthy. Fiber also gives our stomach a feeling of fullness. Therefore, the fruit is also suitable for reduction diets.
So what are the general benefits of fruit?
- Strengthens immunity: It contains not only vitamin C, but also a lot of antioxidants, which together maintain strong defenses and protect the body against free radicals.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease: The substances that the fruit contains fight against high blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
- It is low-calorie and at the same time induces a feeling of satiety: So fruit will not make any difference in your diet. Unless, of course, you have a really strict diet and don't eat too much of it every day.
- Its fat content is very low: It mainly contains carbohydrates, which are called fructose, and a large part is also made up of water. And don't be shy, carbs are needed too.
How much fruit is good to include in the diet?
The recommended daily allowance varies by age, gender and lifestyle, but it is generally stated that a person should consume at least 2 to 3 servings of fruit per day. Servings are usually the size of a large apple or two smaller oranges. More simply what fits in your hand. However, if you are an athlete or lead a very active lifestyle, you can afford to eat more fruit. It will provide you with the necessary energy and hydration.
Which fruit is the best?
After all, the one you like. But you should also be guided by seasonality. Strawberries, blueberries and other berries ripen in the summer, so there's nothing to worry about, just have some. Well, in winter, when the vegetation is calm, it is better to lean towards the Czech fruits left over from autumn - apples, pears and the like. After all, no one will prevent you from buying an exotic pineapple or mango. On the contrary, definitely do it. Follow your intuition, choose the kind of fruit you like. The important thing is that there is no bad and no good kind. They are all healthy.
The truth about fruit or we are busting myths
- Watermelon is not a fruit, it is a vegetable belonging to the gourd family.
- Eating fruit in the afternoon and evening is allowed, you will not gain more weight.
- Although fruit is healthy, it is still not good to eat it in unlimited quantities, what is too much is too much.
- Fruit smoothies can be deceiving and quite possibly contain a lot more calories than you think. Especially the bought ones.
- Detox, during which you will drink only vegetable and fruit juices, is not beneficial to your health, on the contrary, without professional supervision it can be harmful.
Fruit has an important place in the diet and we should all include it in reasonable quantities. So treat yourself to a handful of fruit every day and enjoy your dose of vitamins and minerals. And you can also find it in Yes Boxes, so you won't miss it even with a box diet.