One of the best things we can do for our bodies is add more fresh fruits and vegetables to our diets. They are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other important nutrients, and most fruits and vegetables are low in fat, salt and sugar.
They can also reduce the likelihood of certain diseases and health problems.
Each additional serving of fruits and vegetables per day cuts the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 4%, according to a meta-analysis of cohort studies with almost 470,000 participants by Harvard University and the National Institutes of Health.
A wide variety in color and type help ensure that our bodies are getting the right mix of vitamins and nutrients we need. No single vegetable or fruit delivers everything.
Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, swiss chard and collard greens are rich in iron and Vitamin K, while berries such as raspberries, strawberries, grapes and rosehip berries are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K and manganese.
Legumes such as chickpeas and lima beans are loaded with fiber and protein and have the added benefit of being low on the glycemic index. That means they don’t cause blood sugar to spike the way other carbohydrates do, which is important for people with diabetes.
A diet full of fruits and vegetables can also help strengthen our hair, skin and nails, and provide a natural energy lift that helps us stay focused at work, school, sports and everyday activities. Here is one great resource for anyone considering switching to a plant-based diet.
One of our favorite ways to make sure we get enough Vitamin C, B Complex Vitamins, antioxidants and other healthy nutrients is to have a bottle of NADI Rosehip Drink with meals a couple times each week.
There is no added sugar or artificial ingredients, which makes NADI a great choice for children, active adults, the elderly and anyone who wants to add all-natural vitamins and minerals to their diet. NADI Rosehip drinks are naturally vegan and gluten-free
NADI revives an ancient Georgian health tradition that dates back thousands of years when rosehips were used to treat upset stomach, help wounds heal faster and improve overall health. In addition to the original Rosehip flavor, there are now two new blends: Rosehip Grape and Rosehip Pomegranate. You can buy them here.