Eating an adequate amount of vegetables on a daily basis seems easy, but most people can admit that it’s not. Between crazy work schedules, meal times that are frequently hurried, and our cravings for sweets, veggies are typically set aside for something more convenient and tastier. This is unfortunate considering the vast assortment of health benefits that veggies can give. In order to motivate you to eat more veggies daily, here are the great things that can happen to your body when you eat vegetables on a daily basis:

1. It’ll strengthen your digestive system

Since veggies are rich in fiber, this means that your digestive system will function more effectually and regularly when you increase your vegetable consumption and its frequency as well. Just remember that heightened fiber consumption means you also need to drink more water to avoid constipation. If you don’t eat many vegetables often but wants to make a change, you can start by gradually introducing more greens into your eating plan. This is ideal rather than just changing your diet with pure veggies abruptly. Doing so might result in diarrhea as your body finds it difficult to adjust to your new diet regimen.

2. It’ll help you live longer

It’s been found in some studies that consuming more than five servings of vegetables and fruit each day can lower the possibility of heart attack, stroke, cancer, and untimely death. Researchers at Imperial College London even went on to conclude that if people were to consume 10 servings or about 800 grams of fruit and vegetables every day, then 7.8 million early deaths globally could be avoided.

3. It’ll make your skin look more radiant

There may be cosmetic products everywhere these days, but eating lots of fruit and veggies every day is the ultimate secret to getting that supple, soft, and radiant skin. It’s been found in studies that consumption of veggies can improve your skin’s appearance and texture. This is because phytonutrients in veggies, vitamin C, and high water content can hydrate the skin and even decrease the manifestation of wrinkles.

Also, phytonutrients have anti-aging benefits since these can prevent cell damage from the sun, environmental toxins, and stress.

4. It’ll boost your immune system

Vitamin A not only helps you protect your eyes and your skin, it can also shield your body from infections. Some natural sources of Vitamin A are tomato, carrots, watermelon, and lettuce, among others. Plus, consuming vegetables that are high in Vitamin C can also help in the curing of wounds. It’s also vital for the sustenance of your gum health.

5. It’ll help to alleviate stress

Comfort foods for most people typically constitute to sweets, but in actuality, veggies are more of a comfort food than chocolate chip cookies. When your vegetable intake is high during a stressful period, it helps the body stock up depleted magnesium and vitamin C, which we typically run out of when we’re under pressure. Vegetables can also provide the body Vitamin B and omega-3 fats, which are recognized to be helpful in decreasing depressive symptoms.

6. It’ll help ensure a healthy baby in pregnant women

Women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy are required to consume more veggies for their folic acid. This can be usually found in such vegetables as legumes, spinach, and broccoli, among others. The folic acid aids in the production of more red blood cells. This then decreases the possibility of neural tube defects during the development of the fetus.