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Reds
When you add deep reds or bright
pinks to your daily diet, you are
adding a powerful antioxidant called
lycopene. Lycopene is found in tomatoes,
red and pink grapefruit, watermelon,
papaya and guava. Diets rich in
lycopene are being studied for their
ability to fight heart disease and
some cancers.
Greens
Green vegetables are rich in the
phytochemicals that keep you healthy.
For example, the carotenoids lutein
and zeaxanthin that are found in
spinach, collards, kale and broccoli
have antioxidant properties and
are being studied for their ability
to protect your eyes by keeping
your retina strong.
Oranges
Orange color is a must-have in your
daily diet. Orange vegetables and
fruits like sweet potatoes, mangos,
carrots, and apricots, contain beta-carotene,
a natural antioxidant being studied
for its role in enhancing the immune
system.
Yellows
Bright yellows have many of the
same perks as the orange groups:
high in essential vitamins and carotenoids.
Pineapple, for example, is rich
with Vitamin C, manganese and the
natural enzyme, bromelain. Bromelain
is a great digestion aid to add
to a meal.
Blues/Purples
Blues and purples not only add beautiful
shades of tranquility and richness
to your plate, they add health-enhancing
flavonoids, phytochemicals, and
antioxidants. Blueberries, in particular,
are rich in Vitamin C, folic acid
and potassium, and high in fiber.
Whites
Vegetables from the onion family,
which include garlic, chives, scallions,
leeks, and any variety of onion,
contain the phytochemical allicin
which may help lower cholesterol
and blood pressure and increase
the body’s ability to fight
infections.
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