Autumn is the season where the leaves on the trees begin to change, the air is a little crisper, and food seems to be the number one topic of most conversations. Have you ever noticed that as the colors outside change, so does our food? This fall season, be aware of more colorful foods which are richer in nutrients and flavor. Below are great fall foods.
Reds: Tomatoes, beets, red apples, cranberries, red grapes, and red peppers
Why? These vibrant foods are believed to fight prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. These crimson-colored gems contain varying amounts of lycopene and anthocyanin which are rich antioxidants that fight free-radicals.
Oranges and Yellows: Oranges, pumpkins, carrots, yellow squash, lemons, sweet corn and yams.
Why? These brightly colored fruits and veggies offer a high dose of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene which promotes healthy vision, strong bones and smooth skin.
Greens: Spinach, green apples, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage and avocados.
Why? Greens are packed with a higher concentration and more absorbable calcium than dairy products. They also contain phytochemical which are important in vision. As a rule of thumb, the darker the green, the more nutrient-rich it is.
Whites: Pears, bananas, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and garlic.
Why? Onions may make you cry, but these aromatic bulbs are rich in the compound allicin which is a powerful antioxidant known to combat high blood pressure and high LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. These other white foods help to boost your overall immune system and raise potassium levels.
Blues and Purples: Blueberries, blackberries, plums, purple cabbage and eggplant.
Why? These fruits and veggies are very high in fiber and super-antioxidants, which outweighs their relatively low levels of Vitamin C. These are great for reducing high blood pressure levels and can improve heart health and function. The berries have also been shown to reduce the risk of some forms of male cancers (including prostate).
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