Reported 8 months ago
On June 18, 2024, at 6:27 AM, a nutritionist pointed out that many people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables daily. The concept of '5-A-Day' has long been promoted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with an extension known as '579 Fruits and Vegetables'. Nutritionist Gao Minmin explained that '579' stands for adjusting the daily intake of 3 portions of vegetables and 2 portions of fruits to 5, 7, 9 portions based on age and gender. Different colored fruits and vegetables provide various health benefits and substances like dietary fiber and phytochemicals that can aid in cancer prevention, making it crucial to consume a variety of them. Red vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, cranberries, and watermelons are rich in lycopene and anthocyanins, crucial for cardiovascular health and urinary tract infection prevention. Orange vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, persimmons, and papayas are high in beta-carotene, which boosts cardiovascular health and immune function. Yellow vegetables like yellow peppers, corn, and pineapples contain lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin, beneficial for eye health protection. Green vegetables like leafy greens, guavas, kiwis, and avocados offer chlorophyll, B vitamins, and beta-carotene for liver detoxification, metabolism boost, and weight loss aid. Purple vegetables like eggplants, mulberries, and blueberries provide anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol aiding in memory maintenance, anti-aging, and strengthening of the urinary system. White vegetables such as white radishes and bananas offer sulfur compounds and polyphenols that enhance immunity, lung care, and cholesterol reduction. Gao Minmin also highlights the importance of consuming a variety of phytochemicals from different colored fruits and vegetables to maximize nutritional benefits, suggesting alternatives like green smoothies without straining or adding sugar for a healthier, low-calorie option.
Source: YAHOO