The foundation of a healthy diet

Fruits and vegetables are often referred to as the foundation of a healthy diet, and for good reason. These foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for maintaining a strong and healthy body.

Why do we need Fruits and Vegetables as our foundation?

First and foremost, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal health. Some of the most common ones include:

• Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and many other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy skin.
• Vitamin A: Found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.
• Vitamin K: Found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.
• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Folate: Found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes. Folate is important for the production of red blood cells and for the proper development of the nervous system.
• Potassium: Found in bananas, avocados, and many other fruits and vegetables. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and proper muscle and nerve function.
• Calcium: Found in leafy greens, broccoli, and fortified foods. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Iron: Found in dark leafy greens, red meat, and fortified cereals. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and the delivery of oxygen to the body’s cells.
• Magnesium: Found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Magnesium is important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves.
• Fiber: Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Fiber is important for maintaining healthy digestion, preventing constipation and lower cholesterol levels.

This is not an exhaustive list, and many fruits and vegetables contain a wide range of other vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iodine, and selenium. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including different colors and types, can help ensure you get all the essential vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health.

In addition to vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are also a great source of antioxidants which protect and build your immune system. These powerful compounds help protect the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. 

Another key benefit of eating fruits and vegetables is that they are low in calories and high in fiber. This makes them a great choice for people trying to lose weight, as they can help fill you up and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Fiber also helps support healthy digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Finally, fruits and vegetables are versatile and delicious, making it easy to incorporate them into your diet. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, add them to your favorite recipes, or use them as a base for a salad or smoothie, there are endless ways to enjoy the health benefits of these nutrient-dense foods.

The downside?

It’s hard to get the right amount and variety of fruits into our diet consistently with our busy lifestyles.  Not having enough fruits and vegetables in your diet can have a number of negative effects on your health. Some of the potential consequences include:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and more. Without enough fruits and vegetables, you may be at risk of developing deficiencies in these nutrients. This can lead to a variety of health problems such as anemia, weak immune system, and poor bone health.
• Increased risk of chronic diseases: Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Without enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you may be more likely to develop these diseases.
• Poor digestion: Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion. Without enough fiber, you may experience constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems.
• Weight gain: Fruits and vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, which makes them a great food choice for weight loss. Without enough fruits and vegetables, you may be more likely to consume more calories from other sources, which can lead to weight gain.
• Low energy levels: Fruits and vegetables provide a lot of essential nutrients that are needed to keep your body functioning properly. Without enough fruits and vegetables, you may feel tired and sluggish due to lack of energy and poor nutrition.

So we created a solution! Spiritual Minded Nutrition offers our Foundation Package! 

This foundation package includes our Spiritual Reds & our Spiritual Super Green Smoothie. Together these two provide an individual with an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables needed on a daily basis. They are easy to take anywhere or to be added to any drink or smoothie. 

We created this package for convenience for all that struggle to get enough fruits and vegetables into their daily diet. 

Visit our shop by clicking the button below to learn more about our foundation package!