Fruits and Vegetables for Energy

A diet of f fresh fruits and vegetables can boost a person's energy levels and their disposition. Unlike processed foods, fruits and vegetables, especially if they're organic, contain no fillers or preservatives and are full of nutrients.

High in Fiber

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is protective against diseases like cardiovascular illneses and breast and colon cancers. More, fiber helps with gastrointestinal woes including ulcers and gallstones. Fiber is the part of plants that the human body doesn't break down, so it passes through the system more or less intact. Fiber can be soluble or insoluble. Many vegetables contain both types.

Insoluble fibers like cellulose are important in protecting against colon cancer and also delay the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, which is important for people suffering from diabetes. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge and adds bulk to the stool while it absorbs toxins. Insoluble fibers are usually found on the skin of fruits.

Soluble fibers help lower blood cholesterol and also slow the rate of glucose getting into the bloodstream. These types of fibers are found in vegetables and fruits.

Both types of fiber promote the health of the gastrointestinal system. When the gastrointestinal system isn't working well, either because of diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating, a person can't feel right, either mentally or physically. A healthy and well functioning gastrointestinal track leads to people feeling energetic and mentally sharp. Vegetables that are high in fiber include Brussels sprouts, peas, carrots, broccoli, green beans, beets, iceberg lettuce, corn and celery. Fruits that are high in fiber include fresh strawberries, dried dates, oranges, apples, pineapples, bananas, prunes, cantaloupes and grapes.

Low In Fat

Most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and have no cholesterol, which is a product of the liver. Too much fat and cholesterol in the diet form a waxy substance that circulates around the bloodstream till some kind of damage to an artery causes it to stick to its walls. This causes the artery to narrow and sometimes to harden, which is a condition called atherosclerosis. This leads to high blood pressure.

Calcium

Many vegetables are surprisingly high in calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth and lowers blood pressure as well as the risk of colon cancer. But when it comes to raising energy levels nothing works like magnesium and potassium, two minerals that combat fatigue. Low levels of magnesium cause depression, irritability and confusion. People with chronic fatigue syndrome claimed to have felt better after receiving weekly shots of magnesium for about six weeks, which caused physicians to believe that chronic fatigue syndrome might be at least partially caused by a magnesium deficiency. Green, leafy vegetables like kale are full of magnesium.

Potassium can also help prevent heart disease and stroke and can lower blood pressure. People who are low in potassium retain more sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and actually lose calcium. Because fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, some researches claim that an extra serving of fruits and vegetables can lower a person's risk of stroke by about 40 percent.

It's clear that a diet full of fruits and vegetables can help a person feel full of energy and vibrant.