Eat the Rainbow
May 7, 2010 in Health Information, Juicing Tips
“Eat the rainbow” is a popular diet slogan. Before you go hunting down a bag of Skittles or the nearest box of Lucky Charms, the rainbow this phrase is telling you to eat is actually the full spectrum of fruits and vegetables available at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. As it turns out, there’s a reason why our fruits and vegetables are different colors—and it could be the key to a long and healthy life.
An orange tells you right off the bat what color it is. So does a ruby red grapefruit and a green apple. But have you ever stopped to think about what colors all the other foods you eat are? Become conscious of the colors of your food, and you can capitalize on their individual nutrients and vitamins.
Fruits and vegetables get their color from phytochemicals. Since different fruits and vegetables are different colors that means there are different types of phytochemicals. In fact, scientists have identified thousands of different phytochemicals in plants. Each of these phytochemicals has different health benefits. That’s why it’s so important to eat the rainbow.
Red foods like cherries, cranberries, strawberries, and apples contain anthocyanins. Scientific evidence has not been conclusive, but anthocyanins have been associated with preventing cancer in some instances.
And remember that orange orange? It is made up of carotenoids. Other orange fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids are apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. Foods rich in carotenoids are good for the immune system.
Dark green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and kale contain isothiocyanates. This type of phytochemical is an antioxidant and acts as a detox for some carcinogens.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to fit every color of the rainbow into your everyday diet, turn to your Power Juicer. By blending the different colored fruits and vegetables together into delicious health drinks, you can consume the whole rainbow in one sitting.
What color is the most challenging for you to incorporate into your diet?
Organically grown fruits and vegetables limit the farmer’s ability to use harmful pesticides when growing their crop. Buying organic fruits and vegetables is a good option if you are worried about pesticides getting into your juice. Be sure to thoroughly rinse all fruits and vegetables before eating or juicing in cool water. If you choose not to buy organic fruits or vegetables, some people have used a vinegar-based wash to remove pesticides. Try using a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the fruit or vegetables and let it sit for 5 - 10 minutes. Then rinse very well to wash it all away.
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