Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Immunity Garden – a Rainbow of Vegetables
The pandemic has produced a plethora of new gardeners for many reasons. Some of which include those who are looking at what they eat and how they might contribute to their overall health. Planting a kaleidoscope of color in the vegetable garden is a great start!
Different colors of vegetables and fruits offer different nutritional value. Although continuing studies are being done on the full value of these power-packed plants, here’s a primer for you:
-
RED – lycopene and anthocyanins – may reduce risk of cancer and heart disease
-
ORANGE/YELLOW – carotenoids – good for your eyes, good for your heart
-
GREEN – lutein – good for your eyes, protect against some cancers
-
BLUE/PURPLE – anthocyanins – antioxidants – reduce risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease
-
WHITE – anthoxanthins – lower cholesterol, blood pressure; reduce stomach cancer and heart disease
- Read more HERE from Harvard Health and more on Phytonutrients
Green vegetables are rich in cancer blocking chemicals along with vitamins and other nutrients. Kale is a power pack!
Deep yellow to orange vegetables contain Beta-carotene, an antioxidant linked to decreasing cancer and heart disease risk. One cup of cantaloupe is also worth your daily Vitamin C while the seeds of a pumpkin are loaded with magnesium which supports bone health.
Deep red to purple veggies contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that has been shown to help prevent cancer and heart disease. Beets are also rich in folic acid, while blueberries are known for improving memory and are considered one of the top 3 plants for antioxidants.
Bright red fruits such as tomatoes and watermelon are loaded with Vitamin C. The more orange tomatoes also produce lycopene, known for lowering your chance of prostate or breast cancer and heart disease.
