You think about the colors that you put together for your daily outfit. You make sure that the colors that you pick for the walls in your house match the furniture perfectly. But have you ever looked at your dinner plate and thought about the color choices it is representing? When it comes to the color of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, the color may mean more than you imagine. Phytonutrients are nutrient sources found in plants that not only have potentially vast health benefits but also contribute to the specific color of fruits and vegetables. By ensuring that your diet is filled with varying colors of foods you are also ensuring that your body is receiving a wide spectrum the beneficial phytonutrients.
Here are some specific examples for each color....
RED (Lycopene): Provides protection again many types of cancer
Sources- tomatoes, red peppers, radishes, beets, cherries, strawberries, watermelon
ORANGE/YELLOW (Carotenes & Vit. C): Supports immune function, heart health and eyesight
Sources- carrots, squash, corn, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, apricots, cantaloupe, pineapple, orange, mango
GREEN (Lutein): Decreases muscle degeneration and blindness
Sources- asparagus, broccoli, spinach, peas, green beans, avocado, honeydew melon, kiwi, pears
Blue/Purple (Anthocyanins): Decreases inflammation, protects against cancer and heart disease
Sources- blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, figs, purple grapes
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