“Tomatoes help support the health of prostate and breast tissue.”Ĭooking enhances the activity of lycopene. Look for tomato-based products for the most concentrated source of this phytochemical. A carotenoid, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, especially prostate cancer, and protection against heart attacks. Lycopene is the predominant pigment in reddish fruits and veggies. Plant foods are coded into seven colour categories: red, red/purple, orange, orange/yellow, yellow/green, green, and white/green. Including a rainbow of coloured foods in a diet plan ensures a variety of those nutrients and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals may act as antioxidants, protect and regenerate essential nutrients, and/or work to deactivate cancer-causing substances. Color, such as what makes a tomato so red, can indicate some of these substances, which are thought to work synergistically with vitamins, minerals, and fibre (all present in fruits and vegetables) in whole foods to promote good health and lower disease risk. These substances occur naturally only in plants and may provide health benefits beyond those that essential nutrients provide. So what does colour have to do with diet anyway? One word: “phytochemicals”. Indian’s affinity for all that is quick, cheap, and convenient is directing many to the cereal and cookie aisles, leading to a high-fat and highly processed “beige diet” that is nutrient impaired.įondness for foods lacking colour also reflects a metaphor of what else is lacking in processed foods:Ī colourful, balanced diet is associated with good health and prosperity. Beige may be a mainstay in many wardrobes because of its versatility, but when it relates to diet, simply beige is all the rage for all the wrong reasons.
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