The Health Benefits of Vegetables
From an early age, most people learn that vegetables are a crucial part of a balanced diet — but why exactly are veggies so healthy? Put simply, these natural foods offer a plethora of important nutrients that provide the body with amazing benefits.
Nutrients found in common vegetables include:
- Vitamin A – Vegetables with vitamin A can promote healthy skin and combat infection.
- Vitamin C – Getting enough vitamin C helps heal the body from injury and strengthens teeth and gums.
- Folate – Folate (or vitamin B9) is critical to red blood cell formation and boosts brain health.
- Potassium – A potassium-rich diet can aid in regulating blood pressure.
- Dietary Fiber – This type of fiber helps lower cholesterol.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a diet rich in vegetables may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers. Strive to add more veggies into your daily meals!
Which Exams Are Routine For Adults?
Staying up-to-date on routine medical exams is essential to good health. By visiting your primary care physician at least once a year, you can better catch illness in its earliest stage, assess your risk for future issues, and monitor your overall health and well-being.
According to MedlinePlus, adult men and adult women should complete the below routine screenings:
- General Health (i.e., physical exam/wellness check)
- Dental
- Diabetes
- Eye/Vision
- Blood Pressure Testing
- Cholesterol Testing
- Cancer Screenings (lung, skin, colorectal, etc.)
- Age-Related Exams (i.e., osteoporosis)
- Gender-Related Exams (prostate, clinical breast, etc.)
Your age, gender, and health history will determine the exams that are best for you. Meeting with your doctor regularly can help ensure you are staying up-to-date on the right exams.
Why Is A Smoke-Free Lifestyle So Vital?
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death. A tobacco-free lifestyle is one of the best ways to live a long and healthy life. The American Lung Association shares statistics on the dangers of smoking:
- Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, several of which are known to cause cancer.
- Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body.
- Secondhand smoke causes over 7,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.
If you are ready to quit smoking, talk to your doctor to create an action plan that’s right for you.