Fruits and vegetables are the most healthy foods which contain many rich nutrients like minerals and vitamins. These nutrients are required for the smooth functioning of our body processes. However, in our hectic lives it can get difficult to eat fruits and vegetables. But, some changes in lifestyle will help you eat healthy, live longer, and healthier. So, two times a week buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Buy fresh and organic produce, and learn to buy fruits and veggies which can stay longer. Refrigerate them to preserve them longer. Keep adding a fruit to every meal and eat a nice fresh crunchy salad before your lunch and dinner. This way eat around 5 meals which include some sort of fruit. Also, keep your vegetables and fruits chopped beforehand. You can use a food processor to make the job of cutting the fruits and vegetables easier. You can make various healthy and quick recipes using fresh fruits and vegetables like smoothies, juice, shake, fruit salsa, fruit salad, vegetable kebab, vegetable salad, mix vegetables juice, etc. Why Fruits and Vegetables are Important? Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances. These vitamins and minerals are very important for smooth functioning of our physical and mental health. Cancer Prevention: Fruits and vegetables are important foods as they contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help to decrease the oxidative damage to our body. They trap free radicals which cause cancer and help to remove them out of the body. This greatly helps to prevent cancer. Eye Health: Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables keeps the eyes in good shape. For example, vitamin A helps in proper functioning of the retina. While vitamin C helps in maintenance of collagen which is found in the cornea of the eyes. And vitamin E protects the eyes from free radical damage, thus preventing cataract and macular degeneration. Skin Health: Fruits and vegetables contain many important vitamins and minerals, which keep the skin glowing and clear. They also have a high water content, which is good for skin health. Hair Health: Deficiency of vitamins and minerals, can cause hair fall, dandruff, dry hair, etc. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will provide your body important vitamins and minerals, and thus you will have stronger and healthier hair, which is lustrous. Body Processes: Vitamins and minerals help in many vital processes in our body. For example, potassium helps one to maintain good blood pressure. While vitamin E helps in normal functioning of brain and cellular structure. Immunity: Essential vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables help to increase the body's immunity against a host of diseases. It will protect your body from many common infections like common cold to serious disorders like cardio problems. Weight Management: Deficiency of vitamins and minerals will slow down your metabolism. Also, many vitamins are essential for proper absorption of food. Lack of certain nutrients can also lead to improper functioning of thyroid. Many nutrients from fruits and veggies keep the thyroid levels normal. All these reasons can contribute to weight gain. Heart Health: A diet rich in fruits and veggies can lower the risk of stroke and heart disorders. The higher the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed, the lower is the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Digestive Health: Fruits and vegetables being the best source of dietary fiber, help to pass fat and other impurities out of the body. Also, fiber can help calm irritable bowel syndrome, and relieve and prevent constipation. So, start eating healthy. Apart from eating fresh fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water and indulge in an exercise program. You will soon notice improved mental and physical health. Good luck!