Our Colorful Diet by Christy Hayes

Christy-640x377-300x176Blue! Purple! Red! Yellow! All these colors represent all the pigments we need on our plate to achieve a healthy diet. “Color Wheel of Fruits and Vegetables” and “Color Me Healthy – Eating for a Rainbow of Benefits,” contain articles which have provided me with information about how important fruits and vegetables are to my every day diet. Many people have heard of the food pyramid bu, few have not heard of “Eating the Rainbow.” Each different color from a fruit or vegetable contains unique health components that could lead you on a path to a healthier lifestyle.

Red foods contain Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been found to reduce prostate cancer, inflammation, lower blood pressure and heart attacks.

Examples: Red Apples, Cherries, Pomegranates, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Watermeloncolorful fruit veggies

Orange and Yellow foods contain Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These antioxidants are mainly known for their aid in healthy skin and bones. These foods are also known to protect the eyes from cataracts and anti-inflammatory proprieties due to the vitamin A.

Examples: Oranges, Bananas, Mangos, Carrots, Winter Squash and Pumpkin

Green foods contain Chlorophyll, Lutein, Vitamin C, and Calcium. Yes, eating green is probably the hardest of them all to consume however, this food can reduce cancer, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.

Examples: Cabbage, Artichoke, Avocados, Green Apples, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach and Cucumbers

Blue and Purple foods contain Anthocyanin, an antioxidant that is known to protect the heart and maintain your health, especially the immune system. The darker they are, the better. Darker foods has also been linked fighting off heart disease by preventing clot formation.

Examples: Eggplant, Blackberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Prunes and Purple Cabbage

Work Cited

“Color Me Healthy – Eating for a Rainbow of Benefits.”Color Me Healthy – Eating for a

Rainbow of Benefits. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2016.

“Color Wheel of Fruits and Vegetables.”Disabled World. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2016.

 

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.

 

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