Why is it important and healthy to eat fruit?

Eating fruit brings many health benefits. People who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients that are important for health and maintenance of a healthy body.

As part of an overall healthy diet, eating foods such as fruit that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher calorie food can be helpful in Helps reduce calories consumed thereby helping users control weight.
Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can reduce your risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits may protect against certain types of cancer.
Fruit can help increase fiber and potassium intake, important nutrients that many users don't get enough of in their diets.

Most fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories. No cholesterol. Fruit is a good source of many essential nutrients that are consumed sparingly, including potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). A diet rich in potassium can help maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, watermelon, honeydew melon, and orange juice. Fiber from fruit, which helps lower blood cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for bowel function. It helps relieve constipation and diverticulitis. Foods with fiber like fruit help keep you feeling full for longer with fewer calories. Whole or chopped fruit is a good source of fiber; Fruit juices contain little or no fiber. Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of all body tissues, helps promote the healing of cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who could become pregnant should get enough folate from food, and get 400mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephaly during fetal development.

Fruits can be said to contain important nutrients, such as fiber and vitamins, which our bodies need to stay healthy. So, to make the most of the nutritional benefits in fruit for the best health!

Reference article: choosemyplate.gov