It’s nothing new to suggest fruit is a necessary part of a healthy diet, but when we juggle competing demands and busy schedules, our personal health and wellbeing often go to the back of the priority queue. That is, until we get sick, or our wellbeing is compromised.
Here in Australia we are fortunate to grow a load of colourful, delicious, healthy fruit and yet the word is only half of us eat the recommended 2 serves of fruit per day.
Fruit helps the mind and body
That’s right, mental health is improved by fruit too! We have long heard that “you are what you eat” and while the impact of food on our physical health is widely known, there is also increasing research examining the influence diet has on mental wellbeing.
Despite a common fear that fruit is high in sugar, most fruits are actually low in energy (kilojoules) and high in fibre and water. As well as helping to maintain a healthy weight, fruit is also effective in reducing the risk of prevalent illnesses such as cancer and bowel disease.
So, to perform at your peak, hit up the fruit platter and munch on those fresh, healthy snacks.
An apple a day keeps staff at work and play
Healthy snacks and fresh fruit in the workplace not only look and taste great, they’ll go a long way toward helping you and your colleagues feel good too. It’s also a low-cost, fuss-free way of showing employees they are valued.
Research has shown that employees who feel appreciated are also more efficient and productive. A combination of appreciation and good health can improve morale and reduce absences due to poor well-being.
Did you know?
Fruit and vegetables fall into five different colour categories and each colour contains a special mix of chemicals which fight disease and help the body to function optimally.
The upshot is that it really is important to eat a rainbow (fruit salad). A range of fresh fruits and vegetables will help to protect you from all kinds of illnesses.
RED
Tomatoes, capsicum, strawberries and watermelon are just some of the lycopene-rich foods which help protect the heart. Lycopene is a natural plant pigment which is also an antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of some cancers.
PURPLE / BLUE
These richly coloured foods help protect cells from damage and play an important role in preventing stroke, cancer and heart disease. Think blueberries, plums, blackberries and purple grapes.
ORANGE/YELLOW
Carrots, rockmelon, pineapple and mangoes are just some of the vibrant fruits which care for the skin, lungs and eyes. Rich in beta-carotene and lutein, these fruits protect the membranes of the respiratory system and can also help to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
GREEN
The darker the better is the rule for greens. Broccoli, spinach, avocado, celery and kiwi fruit are all excellent sources of folate and antioxidants, and can help with sight, liver function, and the nervous system. The health fanatics were right on this one – kale really is good for you.
BROWN/WHITE
Dates, bananas, mushrooms and cauliflower contain a huge range of plant chemicals which support the immune system. High in potassium, these foods help to maintain a healthy heart, as well as fighting off common illnesses like colds and flu.
