Useful properties of fruits and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are the best source of antioxidants, which help to combat the harmful effects of free radicals on the body.
Proper nutrition is critical to maintaining health, well-being and a slim figure, and vegetables should form the basis of our daily diet. They contain fiber and many valuable vitamins, minerals and other compounds that have a healing effect, positively affect the functioning of the whole organism, ensuring the supply of all necessary nutrients.
Note! The recipe for a long youth is mindful eating, in which vegetables and fruits form the basis of what we eat. It should be remembered that every day you need to consume more than 0.5 kg of vegetables and fruits, most of which should be vegetables.
The health benefits of carotenoids
Carotenoids are naturally occurring colored chemicals. Their richest source is fruits and vegetables, which, thanks to carotenoids, have a juicy and intense yellow, red or orange color.
Most of them are found in carrots, spinach, red peppers, lettuce, and from fruits – in apricots, peaches, plums and cherries.
Numerous scientific studies confirm the strong antioxidant properties of substances recognized as carotenoids. These are powerful antioxidants that counteract aging and prevent age-related diseases, which are necessary for the proper functioning of our body. Because of this, they can come to the aid of our health and well-being.
Carotenoids rejuvenate. They neutralize free radicals, which protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, accelerates the healing of any damage to the skin, and protects against the harmful effects of external conditions, such as UV radiation. For this reason, carotenoids are used in cosmetics as filters to protect against solar radiation, in creams that improve skin tone.
It has been proven that consumption of carotenoids can reduce the incidence of cancer. They remove free radicals from the body, which are responsible for the development of tumors.
Carotenoids, especially beta-carotene and lutein, are essential for proper vision.
- Beta-carotene, a carotenoid, accumulates in the skin. On the one hand, it supports the tan, and on the other hand, it acts as a natural “sunscreen” that protects the skin from burns.
- Lycopene, which protects against loss of physical and mental performance, also has strong anti-atherosclerotic properties, preventing the formation of plaque that can clog a blood vessel and lead to a heart attack or life-threatening stroke.
- Lutein, which is responsible for vision, protects against macular degeneration of the eye.
The source of beta-carotene will be peppers, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes and others.
Most lutein is found in cabbage, spinach, parsley, zucchini and fresh peppers. Fruits such as blackberries, raspberries and gooseberries are also good sources.
Lycopene is readily available in tomatoes, preferably those ripened in the sun, although the amount of this health-promoting compound is increased when fruit is processed into juices or tomato concentrates.
Anthocyanins are the dark pigment in fruits and vegetables.
The plant world that supports our youth – dark-colored vegetables and fruits – contain flavonoids, including valuable anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are natural compounds of plant origin, are natural plant pigments and have a significant beneficial effect on our health. They protect our body from free radicals, resist ultraviolet radiation and reduce the risk of cancer.
Thanks to anthocyanins, the aging process slows down and some neurological diseases are treated. Used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Plant pigments also help prevent diabetes or reduce its effects.
In cosmetics, anthocyanins are sometimes used in UV protection products, but are primarily valued for their antioxidant and blood vessel sealing properties. Masks, creams with anthocyanins soothe redness and irritation of the skin, reduce the visibility of spider veins, soothe, brighten, moisturize, rejuvenate.
Vitamins in vegetables and fruits – the basis of health and beauty
It is worth noting that fruits and vegetables are a source of many valuable vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They are rich in various types of vitamins, including vitamin C, E, and vitamin A, which is so important for the visual system, which nourishes the retina.
Additional Information! A good diet should be based mainly on eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the value of the vitamins contained in them.
Natural vitamin C has many benefits. It cannot be overdosed, it is easily digested and retains its concentration in the body longer, and it is also tasty and healthy.
Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels and reduces wrinkles. The main sources are all types of cabbage, potatoes, yellow and green vegetables.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, helps to moisturize the skin.
The anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E is responsible for accelerating wound healing, protecting against excessive drying of the epidermis and reducing its elasticity.
Vitamin A maintains the proper condition of the skin, hair and nails, accelerates the restoration of the epidermis. The most important function of this vitamin is to influence the correct vision and its prevention. 
The well-known vitamin of youth is found in carrots, broccoli, cabbage and spinach.
Note! This vitamin occurs in the human body in the form of retinol and is stored in adipose tissue and the liver. Because of this, there is a small chance of a deficiency of this vitamin. Vegetables rich in carotenoids should be consumed with a small amount of fat. According to research, fat increases the absorption of vitamin A.
When eating fruits, it is worth remembering that some of them are very high in calories, so you should not eat them often and in large quantities.
Other Foods Are Also Necessary in a Healthy Diet
Meat should also appear, and more often fish and eggs. Fish or vegetable oils are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are also good for the skin.
It is safe to say that fruits and vegetables protect our youth by effectively slowing down aging.
