In every discussion pertaining to healthy living, it is impossible to exclude vegetables. This is because they are the easiest, cheapest, most reliable group of food with no consequence.

Consumption of vegetables provide taste, palatability, increases appetite, provides fiber for digestion and prevents constipation. Therefore, at this time, it is important that we discuss why you should take more vegetables in 2017; this year.

Vegetables boost the immune system: Getting enough sleep and exercise, and keeping your stress level down is really helpful to the immune system. But having a right diet is just, if not more, important. And among the many fresh fruits and vegetables that have this quality includes spinach, kiwi fruit, berries, mushrooms, carrots, garlic.

Reduce risk for Non Communicable Diseases(NCDs): Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins which prevent a wide range of noncommunicable diseases and conditions especially the chronic diseases such as stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.

They contain anti-inflammatory properties: The immune system attacks anything it recognizes as foreign in the body through the process of inflammation. Inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.

But, when inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader, Inflammation becomes an enemy. Many of the chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alziemier’s have been linked to chronic inflammation. Goodnews! Vegetables contain anti inflammatory properties thus making us more healthy.

They have lighter weights: Unlike most African meals especially the swallows that tend to put your back on the couch after eating, vegetables give you satiety yet, do not put you down. You’re still active after eating. This is because of their light weightiness.

They contain low calories and cholesterol: The calorie content of most vegetables is of very small quantity and expending them is easy. Some vegetables even contain antioxidants that lower cholesterol level already contained in the body.

Anti-aging property: Tomatoes contain lycopene, deep-purple skinned egg plants gets its rich color and anti-aging power from nasunin, a nutrient that helps fight the spread of cancerous cells by cutting off the blood supply they need to multiply.

World Health Organization recommends that you consume 400g of vegetables everyday. Do you think it’s possible to do this? Let’s have your response in the comment section please. ­