Color Makes a Difference

Ok here is a quiz.  What do the following words have in common?

·         Lycopene

·         Anthocyanins

·         Carotenoids

·         Chlorophyll

·         Anthoxanthins

Answer: They are all Fruit and Vegetable pigmentations

1.    Lycopene and Anthocyanins are in the color Red.

·         Apples

·         Beets

·         Cabbage

·         Bell Peppers

·         Cherries

·         Strawberries

·         Watermelon

2.    Anthocyanin creates the color Purple.

·         Egg plant

·         Prunes

·         Raisins

·         Figs

3.    Carotenoids found in foods the color Orange.

·         Yellow Apples

·         Cantaloupe

·         Carrots

·         Oranges

·         Yellow Bell Pepper

·         Sweet Potatoes

4.    Chlorophyll color Green.

·         Green Apples

·         Asparagus

·         Green Beans

·         Broccoli

·         Cucumber

·         Lime

·         Cabbage

5.    Anthoxanthins equals White.

·         Bananas

·         Cauliflower

·         Onions

·         Ginger

·         Mushroom

·         Garlic

The above list is comprised from some of the more common and easy to find fruits and vegetables; basically the staples of any healthy kitchen.   In a nut shell eating portions of these foods as part of a daily menu will provide your body with health benefits ranging from improved memory to strong bones, teeth, hair, skin, muscles, eyes, healing and heart.

The big question is portions; how much to eat?  Everyone is different, a 30 yr old woman need is unlike a 12 yr old girl’s and a man’s requirement is dissimilar from that of a woman.  So here is a link that will give you an answer to what your personal daily requirement is. www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/. 

When I entered my profile information it suggested a heavy duty dose of fruits and vegetables and quite frankly I was a bit mystified as to how I was going to increase the amount I am already eating.  The answer came to me when I was empting the fridge of old and bruised apples, rather than throwing them away I put them in the juicer.  Oh yes, if you don’t have one invest in a good one and enjoy.  I picked mine up in a Home Pro and I have to admit it has been a great addition to our kitchen.  With a Juicer I can throw a whole 8 inch cucumber a few tomatoes, some celery leaf, and have the base for a bloody merry, yum, yum.  Great for pineapple juice too add a little coconut milk and a bit of rum and off to the pool we go.  Seriously in my opinion the reason to eat fruits and vegetables is a no brainer.  The how to eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies is what takes some planning.

Typically a cup of fruits and vegetables can be eye balled; 1 large banana, 1 small apple,     1 large orange, 1 large bell pepper, and 1 large sweet potato. Each one of these items can be considered a measured cup.

At the end of the day creating colorful plates of mixed fruits and veggies will guarantee an ample intake of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A, B, C, zeaxonthin, lutein, folate and potassium all of which fight off serious illness and improve your health.

Go have some fun,

Geo