I DON’T WANT TO EAT VEGETABLES! Part II

Eating an array of colors found in nature is a great way to get all the significant nutrients your body needs. This will help our body to function at its best. It will help us to feel better and look better. Learning about the value of fruits and vegetables helps us to understand why we need them.

We will resume our education of fruits and vegetables, by looking at the green variety. Green foods are typically one of the healthiest foods we can eat. They are rich in lutein and Vitamin K, which is essential for blood and bone health. They also contain folate (Vitamin B9), a nutrient especially important for pregnant women to help prevent congenital birth defects.

Eating dark leafy greens provide Vitamins A, C, E and K. They contain an abundance of carotenoids and antioxidants that protect cells and help block early stages of cancer. They also contain high levels of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Even kiwi has been shown to help with everything from the common cold, to IBS, to insomnia, and may even help repair DNA damage. Bottom line – you just can’t go wrong with greens. Some examples of green fruits and veggies on plan are broccoli, kale, romaine lettuce, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, Granny Smith apples, asparagus, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, green beans, zucchini and avocado. Green grapes, peas and Kiwi fruit are options in maintenance, as well.

Next, blue and purple foods are also great cancer and inflammation fighters. They are rich in phytonutrients, like the anti-oxidant anthocyanin and resveratrol – both of which have been studied extensively for their anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.

Studies also show that the phytochemicals in berries work to repair damage from oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, red cabbage is one of the best superfood bargains with the highest level of anti-oxidants per dollar. We have a great red cabbage recipe, too.

Examples of purple and blue foods on plan are blackberries, blueberries, red cabbage, and eggplant (with the skin on it); while red grapes, plums, prunes and figs are great for maintenance.

Eating an array of colors found in nature is a great way to get all the significant nutrients your body needs.

Next week we will give several delicious and practical ways to get in your vegetables.