Everybody knows that eating more fruits is beneficial for our body. Fruity recipes, in particular, are refreshing delight in summer when the heat takes away our appetite. Yet, some fruits could be a health trap. Accredited practising dietitian Anson WONG shares with you some tips on choosing fruits and having a balanced intake of nutrients.
Similarities and Differences in Nutrients between Fruit and Vegetables
To attain a balanced diet, we should have a sufficient intake of fruit and vegetables every day. Both fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Their skins and seeds contain water-insoluble dietary fibre, which can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation as well as colon cancer. Yet, there are also some differences between fruit and vegetables in terms of nutrient composition. For instance, fruit contains a higher level of fructose than vegetables. Too much fructose will lead to obesity and higher levels of triglycerides in the blood, thus posing a greater threat to cardiovascular health.
“Generally speaking, fruit has more vitamin C, whereas vegetables are rich in minerals. In addition, the fruit flesh contains water-soluble dietary fibre, which helps soften stools, control blood glucose levels and lower the cholesterol levels.” Anson suggested that we should follow the recommendation of the Healthy Eating Food Pyramid and eat at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables every day.
