10/29/2024
Fruits and Vegetables and Your Health
One of the best things you can do to strengthen your immune system and your health (besides getting adjusted) is to eat more fruits and vegetables!
“Studies show that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E that can boost immune function. They are also rich in antioxidants and help reduce oxidative stress, which occurs naturally and can lead to cell and tissue damage.”
Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. Excellent sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help to destroy free radicals and support the body’s natural immune response. Sources of vitamin C include red peppers, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, mangoes, lemons, and other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E sources include nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
Research shows vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk for viral infections, including respiratory tract infections, by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body.” (source:
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine https://ecs.page.link/owqQY)
The USDA recommends a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day but according to one of the most extensive studies on this topic to date, eating 8 servings a day of fruits and vegetables at minimum is best. Yes, 8!
Here’s why.
“According to this new comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, that examined 95 population studies, the risk of dying prematurely from all causes was reduced by almost a third, and the risk of cardiovascular disease by about a quarter in people who ate 800 grams of fruit and vegetables-- or eight a day -- compared to those who ate very little or no fruits and vegetables.”
“Two to four million deaths related to cardiovascular disease could be prevented a year if everyone ate the optimal amount of fruits and vegetables, the researchers said, while for cancer that number was approximately 660,000 deaths.”
Much of chronic disease could be eliminated through proper nutrition.
Not only does a poor diet cause disease but it also adds significant stress to your brain and nervous system.
Brain based providers remove this stress allowing your brain and nervous system to function at its optimal level.
Schedule a Stress Response Evaluation in our office to see how we can help with a proper care plan for your brain type!
Source:
International Journal of Epidemiology, 2017; DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw319
