FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

FRUITS are edible parts of a plant that consist of seeds and surrounding tissues. In botany it is a seed bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering.

VEGETABLES are fresh edible portion of certain herbaceous plants, roots, stem, leaves, flower, fruits, or seeds. They are either eaten fresh or prepared in a number of way.

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of micronutrients and dietary fibres and are component of a healthy diet, which helps in preventing major diseases.

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent types of cancer, lower the risk of eye disease, digestive problem and a positive effect on blood sugar level, which helps keep appetite in check. Eating non starchy veggies and fruits like apple, peer, Green leaffy vegetables may even promote weight loss.

TYPES OF FRUITS. Fruits are classified base on the biological family where they belong. 1. Citrus_ oranges, limes, grapes. 2. Berries_ strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi fruits. 3. Tomatoes and avocadoes. 4. Apples and peers. 5. Melons_ Rockmelons, watermelon, honeydew melon.

TYPES OF VEGETABLES. Vegetables are also classified based on biological groups or families. They include:. 1. Leafy green _ sliverbeet, lettuce, spinach. 2. Marrow _ cucumber, pumpkin. 3. Root _ yam, Sweet potatoes, potatoes. 4. Allium_ shallots, onion, garlic. 5. Cruciferous_ cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage and lots more.

Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of your daily diet, they contain natural vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you healthy. They also protect against diseases

VITAMINS AND MINERALS PRESENT IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and minerals, plant chemicals and fibre e.t.c. They contain vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E Magnesium, Zinc, phosphorus, folic acid and lots more. Folic acid reduces blood level of homocysteine ( a substance that maybe a risk factor for coronary).

DAILY ALLOWANCE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. vegetables and fruits are essential to the body but will be eaten in a recommended procedure. Eat 5 kinds of vegetables and 2 kinds of fruits daily for good health.

IMPORTANCE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO HEALTH. Vegetables and fruits contain photochemical which are biological active substance that protect you from some diseases. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can do the following:. 1. Lower the risk of diabetes. 2. Stroke. 3. Cardiovascular diseases. 4. High blood pressure ( hypertension) 5. Lower cholesterol. 6. Cancer. 7. Reduces weight gain. 8. Aids digestion.

PREPARATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. 1. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. 2. Eat raw vegetables and fruits ( if possible). 3. Don’t overcook to avoid nuritient loss. 4. Try vegetables and fruits pureed into smoothies. 5. Cut off Only the edible part of the vegetables and fruits like the seeds. 6. Use salt to wash the items to ensure that it’s free from bacteria.

SUMMARY. a. Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and minerals, plant chemicals and fibre. b. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against any diseases. C. Eat 5 kinds of vegetables and 2 kinds of fruits.