Why can't I just eat the same fruits and vegetables everyday?
It's so easy to get into a routine where you know what fruits and vegetables you like and it's easy to just stick with the same thing. You're eating fruits and vegetables, why do you need to diversify? Well it comes down to the type of nutrients you're NOT getting by missing out on certain colors of fruits and vegetables. This week we're going to break the color chart down and share with you why each color is important.
If you are going for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you want to vary the color of your intake because you will maximize the types of antioxidants and phytochemicals that each color contains. By doing this you will make your body resilient to many different types of cancer as well as protect yourself from viruses and age related disorders associated with your eyes and heart.
We break the colors up into Red, Orange/Yellow, Green, Blue/Violet, and White/Brow
Red:
These fruits and vegetables are high in phytochemicals like lycopene, ellagic acid, and the flavonoid Kaempferol which combine to give you protection against prostate cancer and heart disease. (Think: Tomatoes, red peppers, raspberries, strawberries, pomegranate)
Orange/Yellow
These fruits and vegetables are especially rich in beta-carotine, lutein, zeaxathin and are more commonly associated with their ability to protect agains cataracts and macular degeneration. (Think: oranges, carrots, pumpkin, mango, sweet potatoes)
Purple/Violet:
These fruit and vegetables contain anthocyanins, reservatrol, and other flavoinoids that not only have a cancer protective effect, but also some anti-bacterial properties. They also contain phytonutrients that boost urinary tract health and memory function. (Think: red grapes, purple cabbage, plums, beets, blackberries, and blueberries)
Green:
These fruits and vegetables are what we usually think about when we hear our parents say “eat your vegetables” in our heads, and for good reason. They have the widest range of anti-cancer phytonutrients including flavonoids, carotenoids, and indoles. (Think: bok choy, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, pears)
White:
These fruits and vegetables have phytonutrients that possess antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as keep cholesterol levels in check. (Think: banana, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, potatoes)
