After watching the documentary last tue evening on YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT,whereby the experiment involve 7 volunteers,each with high cholesterol or overweight to undergo a drastic transformation on their diet,having to consume only raw fruits and vegetables for a week,3 meals a day(with close monitoring from a group of doctor and dietician) ...hmm...That seem rather extreme to me,still the health benefits of a high water content fruits and vegetables is not to be underestimated...All of them reported having more energy,lower cholesterol ,that is an encouragement for me..hehe.Now with a busy work schedule,I hardly have time to prepare meals,the home is pretty much like a hotel now,I just feel like collapsing onto the bed,hmm...hope a diet of high water content fruits and vegetables help me....Luckily,nutritious foods need not be costly and the best way to reap the maximum amount of nutrients,eat it raw or blanced slightly,this is nature best medicine to lower risk of chronic diseases...haha...
Here is some information I found on the health benefits of the fruits and vegeatbles,for I love food combination of vibrant mixed fruits and vegetables together:
(Information adapted from health and nutrition website)
Lycopene
Found in Tomatoes, persimmon, watermelon and pink grapefruit.
This carotenoid is a fierce cancer fighter and help prevent heart disease by inhibiting the formation of harmful LDL cholesterol. The deeper the red or pink colour, the higher the lycopene content. Studies have shown that a high intake of tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
GREEN INDICATES Isothiocyanates, folic acid
Found in Cruciferous vegetables (the cabbage family), spinach, bok choy, kale, peas, artichokes, and asparagus.Folic acid is required for the formation of healthy red blood cells.
YELLOW INDICATES Lutein, zeaxanthin
Found in Yellow corn, bananas, yellow capsicum and honeydew melon.
These two carotenoids work together to help maintain sharp, healthy eyesight, They are used in the area of the retina called the macula, which is the centre for sharp, focused vision. They protect the eyes from long-term light damage. We need to eat about 5mg of lutein and 1mg of zeaxanthin every day for adequate eyesight protection, so it's good to include a large splash of yellow.
Bananas are worth a special mention for their high potassium content. They can help decrease the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, relieve heartburn, prevent stomach ulcers and (particularly eaten green) aid in abating diarrhoea.
Purple foods should generally be eaten with the skin as this is usually most strongly colored
PURPLE/BLUE INDICATES Anthocyanins
Found in Blueberries, dark cherries, prunes, blackcurrants, cranberries, red wine, red apples, black grape juice, blackberries, strawberries, beetroot and figs.
The blueberry contains more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. Anthocyanins have remarkable antioxidant properties. Purple or blue fruits help prevent nerve cells in the brain from deteriorating, and possibly help guard against the effects of ageing in general. Anthocyanins may also have a beneficial effect on heart disease by inhibiting blood clots.
Anthocyanins have anti bacterial properties, are useful for tackling urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal upsets. They're also anti-inflammatory, which is why blackcurrant syrups are used in cold and throat medicine.
