Tuesday, October 9, 2012

What's your favorite color?

In general,all fruits and vegetables are beneficial to your health.  They can help reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, assist your body in detoxifying and help you build strong bones, eyesight and give your skin that beautiful natural glow. But let's have a little fun today... below is a cheat sheet that shows some specific benefits of certain produce based on color.  
 
Photo Credit: IIN

White
The key benefit of white foods is increased immunity. Ahem….This does not include white flour or white sugar!  Some beneficial immune boosting white fruits and veggies include:
Garlic, onions, cauliflower, ginger, turnips, potatoes, mushrooms, white peaches and nectarines


Green
The natural plant pigment, chlorophyll, colors green fruits and vegetables.  These green foods induce enzymes in the liver that assist the body in removing potentially carcinogenic compounds.  Other benefits include a lower risk of some cancers, improved eye health and strong teeth. Examples of green fruits and veggies you should eat to stay healthy are:
Broccoli, spinach, kiwi, asparagus, brussels sprouts, grapes, limes, leafy greens, cucumber, celery, peas, green bell peppers



Yellow
Want great skin and healthy eyes? Add a glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon juice to your morning ritual or eat anti-inflammatory yellow foods high in Vitamins A and C such as: 
Lemons, pineapple, yellow bell peppers, yellow beets 

Orange
Orange foods are high in antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids. Eating orange foods has been linked to skin and eye health, increased immunity, decreased risk of cancer and a healthy heart.  Load up on these orange foods:
Oranges (of course!), cantaloupe, apricots, sweet potatoes/yams, carrots, butternut squash, pumpkin
 
 
 Red
Lycopene is the predominant pigment in reddish fruits and veggies.  Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, improved heart and circulatory health and protection against heart attacks.  In addition, red fruits and veggies also contain vitamin C, folate and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and have antioxidant properties.  To reap the benefits, eat these red foods to your heart’s content (pun intended):
Tomatoes, watermelon, beets, red grapefruit, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, red bell peppers, radishes

Blue/Purple
These colorful foods get their bright hue from anthocyanins which are antioxidants that are heart healthy and provide anti-aging benefits like helping with memory and promoting bone health.  Fill your plate with these blue/purple fruits and veggies:
Eggplant, blueberries, blackberries, plums, purple cabbage
 
What's your favorite color?
 
 
Have a healthy day!
 


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