Originally published August 22 2005
Colorful foods are the healthiest
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Phytochemicals in the color pigments of food have many health benefits, research shows.
In addition to the benefits of vitamins and minerals, now research states the color pigments of fruits and vegetables contain chemicals that slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of many diseases.
These chemicals are called phytochemicals and are only produced naturally by the sun.
The more intense the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more health benefits it contains.
For example, the green in green beans helps protect against macular degeneration and cataracts, helps lung function, influences strong bones and teeth, reduces complications with diabetes, and lowers risk of some cancers.
Red included in a low-fat diet keeps your heart healthy and helps with memory function.
Some reds, like cranberries, are great to protect the urinary tract from infections.
Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain compounds that have been shown in laboratory studies to slow the aging process, help improve short-term memory, and improve balance and coordination.
Agriculture researchers are developing new varieties of vegetables that contain the blue or purple pigments.
White foods such as the onion family contain compounds that reduce the risk for certain types of cancer and protect your heart by helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
White foods include bananas (the part eaten is white) potatoes, turnips and white corn.
Research shows that nutrients and phytochemicals can help your body get rid of carcinogens and damaged cells before they develop cancer.
With the variety of colors, comes the variety of nutrients and phytochemicals.
So, pig out on fruits and vegetables each day.
A serving is basically: one medium fruit, 1?4 cup dried fruit, six ounces 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, 1?2 cup fresh or canned fruits or vegetables, or one cup leafy vegetable.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml