Source of pictures: pixabay.com
Autumn has arrived, a season of harvest. You can see a dazzling array of fruits at the fruit stands in the streets. Our parents always tell us to eat more fruits. So, what are the benefits of fruits? And why do we need to eat more fruits?
Fruits are rich in vitamins. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential in very trace amounts for the maintenance of normal physiological functions. They are involved in and regulate the process of body growth, development and metabolism. Generally, they cannot be synthesized in amounts sufficient to meet bodily needs and therefore must be obtained from food.
Vitamins fall into two categories: essential and non-essential vitamins. There are 13 essential vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, Vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin H, vitamin P, vitamin PP, vitamin M, vitamin T, vitamin U and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamins exist as provitamins in food, which can be converted to vitamins in human body. Human physiological activities depend on the body's ceaseless biochemical reactions. Various enzymes can greatly promote these activities. In enzymatic reactions, coenzymes play a very important role. They often function as an intermediate carrier of electrons, atoms, or functional groups, assisting in enzyme activities. Many vitamins are coenzymes or parts of coenzymes that participate in enzymatic reactions to regulate metabolic activities. Meanwhile, vitamin deficiency can cause diseases.
Vitamin A is also known as axerophthol. Its main role is to promote the formation of photoreceptor cells in visual cells to maintain eyesight. Without vitamin A, night blindness may occur. It also serves to support skin elasticity, keep it moisturized, and promote immunity, growth and development. Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid. As its name suggests, it is acidic and antiscorbutic. Insufficient vitamin C may cause scurvy and make the body incapable to synthesize intercellular substance. That will lead to tooth loss, a reduced rate of healing for injuries, etc. Vitamin H, also known as biotin, is necessary for fat and protein metabolism and vitamin C synthesis. Vitamin PP is also known as niacin. Neurological disorders may happen if there is a lack of vitamin PP. Vitamin M, also known as folic acid, can enhance cellular immunity and prevent birth defects.
In addition to fruits, other foods are also sources of vitamins. Carrots and animal livers contain a huge quantity of vitamin A. Apart from oranges, lemons and apples, peppers, potatoes and spinach are also great sources of vitamin C. Meat is rich in vitamins B2 and B12. Leafy green vegetables provide vitamins E and K. Therefore, a balanced diet is essential for health. Don't be a picky eater.
Author: Yuan Qing
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