Festive & Healthy 4th of July Treats!
Three cheers for the red, white, and blue…
Make your plate colorful with bright red, white, and blue fruits and vegetables.
The brighter the color (natural coloring, not dye), the healthier it is.
The red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene and other nutrients that reduce the risk of prostate cancer and tumor growth. They can also help with your blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and support joint tissue. Examples of these are: red apples, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, red grapes, pomegranate, raspberries, tomatoes, red cabbage, and red peppers.
The white fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients. They can help reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers and help boost your immune system. Try to add some bananas, white pears, cauliflower, garlic, parsnips, mushrooms, onions, and shallots to your daily diet. Avoid the white (or bleached) foods such as white breads, rice, or cereals.
Don’t forget to add blue fruits and vegetables to your plate for their nutritional value. Many blue (or indigo) fruits and vegetables contain lutein, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, and other nutrients. Blackberries, blueberries, black currants, and figs will aid in lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL), boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and limit the activity of cancer cells.
So celebrate 4th of July on your plate every day for a healthier you!