“Eat your fruits and vegetables.” You've likely heard this statement since childhood, even without knowing the reasons behind those words. Research shows why it is a good advice.

Fruits and vegetables are universally promoted as healthy; they include a diverse group of plant foods that vary greatly in content of energy and nutrients.

Experts estimated the need to eat five to nine portions of fruit or vegetables a day. They also encourage making one-half plate fruits and vegetables for healthy eating.

Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, and other substances that are important for good health.

Fruit has been recognised as a good source of vitamins and minerals, and for their role in preventing vitamin C and vitamin A deficiencies. People who eat fruit as part of an overall healthy diet generally, experts say have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. 

Experts say fruit are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, vitamin C and folate (folic acid), which helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age, who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy need adequate folate that helps prevent neural tube birth defects.

The nutrients in fruit are vital for health and maintenance of the body. The potassium in fruit can reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, and the risk of developing kidney stones, thereby helping to decrease bone loss as someone age.

So, if you have been taking fruits and vegetables daily, congratulations, but if you are lacking on this, make haste to practice it to know what healthy living really means.