Everyone knows eating your greens is good for you!  Why?  Green fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung, and other cancers.  They also promote eye health, boost immunity, and help to build strong bones.  Typically, the more dark and rich colored the food, the more nutrient-packed it is (think kale and spinach). 

There were plenty of greens to choose from at the food co-op this week.  Ones I picked up were:  swiss chard, green pears, kiwis, parsley, cucumber, kale, romaine lettuce, cilantro, zuchinni, green pepper, celery, broccoli, leek, and spinach.  Other foods to consider are:  artichokes, asparagus, endive, limes, peas, watercress, arugula, avocados, green beans, green chiles, green grapes, okra, green apples, green tea, and bok choy.

Some green foods are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.  Lutein reduces the risk of macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in older individuals) and may protect the lens of the eye from sunlight damage.

Cruciferous vegetables contain more phytonutrients with cancer fighting properties than any other family of vegetables.   

Green tea is a potent antioxidant that helps repair damaged DNA.  It contains polyphenols which reduce the risk of stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers.  Green tea also activates your liver’s detoxification which helps defend your body against such things as cancer.

I did not run into any green foods that I have not yet tried – anyone have any ideas for a food that may be new to me?

For optimal health, you should consume all seven colors of the phytonutrient rainbow everyday – red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, and white.  Next week I will finish up my series on eating the rainbow and discuss the importance of white foods.

By: Dr. Arseneau
Dr Arseneau blog:http://www.tinaspharm.com/ 

 


Comments

Melissa
01/08/2012 16:46

Great information!! love to hear more, it's a great reminder

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