Phytochemicals
Aside from antioxidants, fruits and vegetables also contain natural compounds
called phytochemicals. These compounds appear to protect against cancer in a variety
of way such as delaying growth of cancer cells.
Many Vietnamese eat soybeans, which is an excellent source of protein and a good
alternative to meat. Soybeans contain phytochemicals. It is a good idea to continue
to include soybeans and soy products such as tofu and soymilk in your diet.
Consuming a plant based diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables, beans and grains
is beneficial in reducing your risk of cancer. Some soy products are good sources
of calcium, which is protective against osteoporosis. Check the nutrition facts
label for the calcium content.
Fiber
Fiber
is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables. Fiber is beneficial in promoting
healthy bowel movement, and protective against some bowel related diseases. Fiber
binds to cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease. Fiber is the
roughage found in plant foods such as:
Pulp
of fruits such as
orange, tangerines,
grapefruits.
| Peel
of fruits & vegetables
such as apple, pear, tomato
and covering of mung
beans,
white beans or black-eye bean
| Leaves,
stalks, and
stems of vegetables |
