Doctors have long advised their patients to eat a balanced diet consisting of fresh, whole foods – as colorful as possible, the better. Eating fruits and vegetables in various colors provides the most nutritional value, which benefits your health and your waistline. Recently report in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience investigated the large amount of existing diet and nutrition literature on women's health outcomes and discovered a powerful weapon against several health conditions, including obesity and obesity-related conditions -carotenoids.
Brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain powerful compounds with antioxidant properties
Carotenoids are the compounds in certain fruits and vegetables responsible for their bright color – the reason why carrots are orange (or purple or yellow), why bell peppers are green, yellow, orange and red, green peas are green, and watermelons are red. This compound is a powerful antioxidant that is lipid soluble – meaning it dissolves in fat. Carotenoids are also precursors of vitamin A. The most common carotenoids present in the diet are: Provitamin A carotenoids A-carotene (alpha-carotene) β-carotene (beta-carotene) β-cryptoxanthin (beta-cryptoxanthin) Lutein Lycopene Zeaxanthin Provitamin A carotenoids, the first three on the list, are a type of vitamin A. The body converts them into retinol, which is a form of vitamin A that is vital for cell health, a strong immune system, vision, and skin health. One of the best sources of vitamin A is the ALFA ALFA leaf. which you can read more about HERE.
Carotenoids offer many health benefits
A diet rich in carotenoids will help you in a variety of ways, but three of the most well-known benefits include: better eye health, improved brain health and healthy bones. Lutein and zeaxanthin are effective defenses against age-related macular degeneration. They can also help prevent cataracts. The brain also benefits enormously from the "rainbow" diet. Eating these foods can improve brain function, such as visual processing speed, problem solving, executive function, and memory. Strong evidence supports additional benefits for women from a carotenoid-rich diet. The carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein are very effective in helping the body fight conditions that affect the health of the nervous system in women.
How to "eat a variety of colors"
You can reap the many benefits of “eating a variety of colors” by choosing foods rich in carotenoids in each color group. Some of the top hitters in each color group include: Orange (A-carotene), Nutmeg pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, tangerines, Yellow-orange (β-carotene), Melon, Winter squash. oranges, papaya, Peaches, Tangerines.
Red (lycopene) pink grapefruit, pink guava, Pumpkin, tomatoes, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, Peas, Kale, Parsley, Mangel.
Including foods rich in carotenoids in your daily diet will benefit you regardless of age, but they significantly affect age-related problems and health conditions. Plus, it makes such a colorful, pretty plate! So go ahead and add some color to your mealtime. To make things even healthier, buy organic varieties of your favorite vegetables and fruits to avoid unwanted chemicals. Your body will thank you for the effort.
You can read more information about vitamin A HERE.
Sources for this article include:
LifeExtension.com
MedicalNewsToday.com
