Fruits
Scientifically, a fruit is a mature fertilized ovary. Fruits
are formed after the fertilization of ovules. The ovules develop into seeds and
the ovary into a fruit. The food we obtain from fruits is manufactured by
photosynthesis in the leaves of a plant. Fruits are therefore storage organs of
food.
Fruits are an important component of a healthy human diet. They
naturally contain low calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. They keep the
body healthy and have many benefits including the following:
Lowering the Risk of Illness and Disease: The many vitamins
and nutrients in them reduce risk for many illnesses such as: Stroke, heart
disease and other heart-related illnesses; type 2 diabetes; certain cancers,
such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer; kidney stones and Bone loss.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits, because different
fruits contain different vitamins. Mangoes, papayas (pawpaw), melons and citrus
fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, have high vitamin C concentration. Cantaloupe,
apricots, peaches, and nectarines are sources of vitamin A.
Hydration the Body: Fruits contain a lot of water (90-95 %).
Fruits can quench thirst. Water is an important nutrient. The body uses this
water to transport nutrients around the body, regulating body temperature, keep
the joints moist, and removing waste material from the body.
Provision of fiber: Fruits are rich in fiber, which is important
for the smooth movement of food through the digestive system. The fiber is a
remedy to constipation. Whole fruits like apples and grapes contain more fiber
than fruit juices and sauces, like applesauce and grape juice. Dried fruits
like figs, prunes and raisins are good sources of fiber, too.
Provision of Energy: All fruits contain sugars (carbohydrates),
which are the body’s main source of energy. The sugar in fruits is easily
digested and quickly provides energy to the body. In addition to the carbohydrates
in fruits for providing essential energy for metabolism, processing nutrients,
and staying active, there is also some protein in fruit! Dietitians say that
there’s not as much protein in fruits as in meats, but they do have protein.
Provision of Antioxidants: Fruits are loaded with essential antioxidants
like; Vitamins A, C, E and Lycopene that cannot be produced by the body. Antioxidant
nutrients help to prevent disease, fight illness, and waive off signs of aging.
Provision of Mineral salts: Fruits are a top source of mineral
salts essential for the normal body functions. For example, Calcium is used for
the strengthening of human teeth and bones.
With the ongoing population increase and urbanization, the
scarcity of fruits is also escalating. Both parents and children are failing to
get a fruit at least once a week. I believe because of this many diseases are
coming up as a result of this malnutrition. Let’s fight hard to plant fruit
trees if we can, to save our lives from the danger of diseases.
Summary: Fruit nutrition is a great way to strengthen your
immune system, fighting disease, and boosting the overall body health. Take a
fruit a day, to save you the hospital bills.
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