|
Family & Consumer Sciences |
|
Berries and Other Colorful Foods Offer Health Benefits Plus Great Taste
| | Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service. |
It’s strawberry time in South Louisiana, and those bright red berries are just packed with nutrients to keep us healthy. In a few months we can look forward to other berries like blackberries and blueberries. These red and blue/purple berries are just a few examples of the many red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables that can add nutrients and great taste to our diets.
Many berries, along with red, blue, and purple grapes, contain anthocyanins, phytochemicals that have been shown to help with sharpness of vision and to inhibit tumor formation. The well-publicized role of red wine in protecting from heart attacks is likely due to the anthocyanins in the wine.
Berries also contain antioxidants that protect our bodies from damage by free radicals in the environment which can result in heart disease and cancer. Blueberries and cranberries have particularly strong antioxidative properties. Regular intake of berries may even help slow the loss of brain function that often comes with aging and reduce inflammation in our bodies. Berries are also good sources of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. No wonder they are called superfoods!
There are many other fruits and vegetables that are red, blue or purple. Some red foods like watermelon, pink grapefruit and tomatoes contain lycopene, a compound that gives them their color. Lycopene has been shown to protect against prostate cancer and possibly other forms of cancer.
Red bell peppers are excellent sources of both vitamin A, which helps keep our eyes and skin healthy, and vitamin C, which helps to heal injuries and build connective tissue.
Other red fruits and vegetables include red apples, beets, cherries, red cabbage and pomegranates. Other blue and purple fruits and vegetables include eggplant, figs and plums. All offer us important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are naturally low in fat and sodium.
So enjoy Louisiana strawberries now and all the delicious red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables that will be available during the spring and summer, knowing they are just as good for your health as they are for your taste buds.
For additional information about nutrition and fitness, contact Pam Myers at 225-635-3614.
|
| Last Updated: 3/28/2011 2:32:03 PM |
|
Please click a number to rate this article:
|
Have a question or comment about the information on this page?
Click here to contact us. |
|
|
|