Health issues IN CONNECTION to Vegetable intake

So why do we NEED to eat our vegetables?

Reason # 1.  Vitamins & Minerals.  Raw vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamins A, C and E, a well as B-complex vitamins, potassium and calcium

Reason #2.  Antioxidants. Raw vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants, or chemical compounds that help prevent or reverse cellular damage caused by free radicals

Reason #3.  Fiber. Raw vegetables are one of the best sources of dietary fiber.  Helps lower cholesterol. 

Reason #4.  Weight Loss. Raw vegetables' high water and fiber content makes them low-calorie, filling foods that can aid in weight loss by satiating hunger without significantly contributing to daily caloric intakes. Raw vegetables have a low glycemic index so it gradually raises blood sugar levels.  Foods that are processed are harder to digest with added sugar alcohols that spike blood sugar levels that leads to a rapid drop.  That causes fatigue and increased hunger.

Observation:  I have had many people tell me they don't eat breakfast because they are not hungry.  Then when they do eat breakfast they are more hungry right after.  Maybe you are eating stuff that spikes your blood sugars.

You will get a lot more out of your vegetables if you consume them raw. Cooking them reduces the amount of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. If you cook them steaming is the best way to retain the most. After reading I'm almost convinced to start seeking out local farmers markets because by the time they hit the grocery store they are so lacking in nutrients.

Lets consider the variety of health issues many suffer on a daily basis.  Such as: sickness, sleeping problems, digestion issues, fatigue and so on...it makes me wonder.  Since the nutrients aid in ALL your natural bodily functions enabling everything to operate properly there must be some kind of connection between the two.  According to CDC (center for disease control) under 25% of the u.s. adult population consume veges 2-3/day.  So the question is:  If you have a health concern, what does your daily vegetable intake look like? 

Lets be real here
A piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato on a sandwich DOES NOT count as a serving of veges. (although it something! better than mayo and other junk!)

French fries DOES NOT count as a serving of veges.

Vegetable juice you buy on the shelf most likely DOES NOT count as a serving of veges.

However, fresh juice made with real raw veges from a juicer is GREAT! It's easier to digest and absorbed almost instantly compared to eating them whole.
 

Check out my favorite GREEN SMOOTHIE (click)

 
YOU SHOULD BE EATING NO LESS THAN 2-3 servings(cups)/DAY!!!

WHATS YOUR SCORE???

My cut up Raw Veges for a couple days.  Green and Yellow Zuchinni Squash and carrots.  I don't typically use ranch but it is 'natural' cowgirl ranch ;)
 



Much better option then Ranch.  Hummus!