Good health is a reason to celebrate!

National Nutrition Month is a campaign that reminds us of the importance of healthy eating.  We also become more aware of the positive impact nutrition has on our health and well-being.  Due to the efforts of dieticians, this national campaign has become one of the most recognized nutrition awareness-raising campaigns in Canada.

We embrace and celebrate this national campaign because  we know that healthy changes in your eating habits are a major step for you in taking control of your life.

In support of National Nutrition Month let’s take a look this week at the “rainbow of colors” and what this means to you!

A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables helps prevent many chronic diseases, including

• heart disease
• cancer
• stroke
• conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts

This month, branch out of your usual habits at the grocery store.  Buy produce with a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, green and purple to give your body the full spectrum of plant pigments with powerful antioxidant effects.  Choosing many colors will not only ensure you are getting the nutrients you need for your very best health but by making these choices you will also help your body to protect you against disease.

As well as fighting off disease, do you want to slow down the aging process?  By choosing a wide variety of color with your fruit and vegetable selections you will consume a wide range of compounds known as phytochemicals.  Phytochemicals work in harmony with nutritional antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium to fight against the aging process.

Here is a sample of some colorful foods that you can add to your plate:

1. Red/Purple/Blue/Black: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, red apples, red peppers, red cabbage.  These foods contain powerful antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease by inhibiting blood clot formation.
2. Orange: mangos, apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, squash, orange peppers.  These contain nutrients that reduce age-related macular degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, fight harmful free radicals, encourage alkaline balance, and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones.
3. Yellow: yellow peppers, some types of golden delicious apples, yellow beets, yellow tomatoes.  The nutrients in these perform the same functions as the Orange category.
4. Green: Spinach, honeydew melon, artichokes, asparagus, green beans, sugar snap peas.  The nutrients found in these vegetables reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, normalize digestion time, support retinal health and vision, fight harmful free-radicals, and boost immune system activity.
5. White/Green: includes garlic, onions, celery, pears, cauliflower, white peaches and nectarines. These foods have been shown to have anti-tumor effects.

Happy Spring and may you find many reasons to be healthy.

Tags: National Nutrition Month