Color your diet today for a healthy tomorrow - II (health)

December 3, 2007

In sequel to the earlier article, we will today have a look at some more colors of health.The orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain different amounts of antioxidant. They contain in abundance antioxidants like Vitamin C, carotenoids, bioflavonoid and phytochemicals that help in maintaining stable health. They are also rich in Vitamin B complex and carotene and help in enhancing the immune system, improving eyesight. These colors of health are also useful for skin care. An appropriate blend of fiber, vitamins and micronutrients and antioxidants provide for a unique power to these fruits and vegetables to prevent a host of diseases.

The orange highlights the presence of pigments like beta carotene in carrots, mangoes, apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin and sweet potato and that of beta cryptoxanthin in orange. The yellow highlights the presence of pigments like lutein, zeaxanthin in corn.

Green signifies the presence of chlorophyll - an inherent part of leafy vegetables and fruits. The chlorophyll is a storehouse of beta carotene, flavanoids and phytochemicals such as lutein and indoles - most of these have heart protective and anti-carcinogenic properties.

The white signifies the presence of pigment like anthoxanthins which is an anti inflammatory and antioxidant. Fruits like banana and guava and vegetables like cauliflower, turnip, garlic and onion have are full of such phytonutrients.

Posted in Health