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.