And now a story. About a month ago, I was at this community-based dinner that happens every couple of weeks. I think they are great in concept but I am not really a huge fan personally. I sort of feel like they are husband and wife hunting parties- it is primarily singles that go and I never touch the food. On this occasion, a friend asked me to come as he was hosting the post dinner 'entertainment'. Two hours late, I got on my bike and rode over to support him, and because whenever I want to turn down an invite, I have my grandma Fritzi's voice in my head saying "Go Meghan, you never know who you're going to meet". So I went. And I met some very nice people. At the table, where I was sitting, the boys seemed to be getting a little competitive for the ladies' attention and at one point, there may or may not have been a sing off of The Rainbow Connection in the best Kermit The Frog impersonation these guys could pull off. Now aren't I glad I went!
I believe that green reigns king in the colourful food kingdom. However, I have never been one to go monochromatic. Here you have the rest of the rainbow and the delightful things a colourful diet does for us. Get your rainbow in today!
Green Foods – broccoli, kale, leaf and romaine lettuce, spinach, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
- especially good for the circulatory system, contain many minerals and B-complex vitamins, contain powerful anti-cancer compounds.
Red Foods – tomatoes, watermelon, red cabbage.
- contain many phytochemicals that reduce free radical damage, lycopene is especially helpful in preventing prostate problems, and reduce the effects of sun damage on the skin.
Orange Foods – carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe.
- have the carotenoids that help prevent cancer by repairing the DNA, especially good for our eyes, and help with night vision, help our bodies get the vitamin A we need, without getting excess that can lead to osteoporosis.
Green/Yellow Foods – yellow corn, green peas, collard greens, avocado and honeydew melon.
- contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, helpful in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Orange /Yellow Foods – oranges, pineapple, tangerines, peaches, papaya, nectarines
- high in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C which helps to improve the health of the mucus membranes and connective tissue, improve circulation and prevent inflammation.
White/Green Foods – onions, garlic, celery, pears, chives
- Garlic and onions contain allicin, the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal phytochemical, and they can act as a poor man’s antibiotic, mineralsthat keeps the fluid in the joints healthy
Red/Blue/Purple Foods – apples, beets, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries.
- rich in powerful antioxidants that protect against heart disease by improving circulation and preventing blood clots, anti-aging phytochemicals that keep the blood circulating
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