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 (BlackDoctor.org) -- You may not know it, but fruits and veggies provide different health benefits based on their color. It’s true. In order to make sure that you’re getting the best combination, check out the following five colors:
Yellows and Oranges
Fruits: oranges, grapefruit, peaches, cantaloupe, mangoes, pineapple
Veggies: squash, carrots and corn
The Health Benefits: These fruits and veggies can help to boost your immune system and help to prevent eye disease. Incorporate them into your diet by tossing a few chunks of pineapple on some cottage cheese for a snack and try adding a side of corn to your dinner menu.
Reds
Fruits: watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, cherries
Veggies: tomatoes, radishes
The Health Benefits: These summertime favorites can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, as well as improve blood flow to the heart. Try any of these summer fruits for an afternoon snack. For dinner, try spicing up your salad with a handful of radishes.
Whites
Fruits: pears, bananas
Veggies: mushrooms, cauliflower, onions, garlic
The Health Benefits: These fruits and veggies can actually lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Slice up a banana and toss it into your morning cereal. For dinner, experiment with a stir-fry packed with mushrooms, onions and garlic.
Greens
Fruits: kiwi, honeydew
Veggies: spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, cabbage
The Health Benefits: No only do green fruits and veggies help to protect bones, but they also look after your teeth and eyesight as well. Slice up a honeydew for an afternoon snack and remember to incorporate any of these veggies into your daily salad.
Blues and Purples
Fruits: blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, plums
Veggies: eggplant
The Health Benefits: These tasty treats help to keep the memory sharp, while also reducing the risk of many types of cancer. Any of these fruits make a great snack, and eggplant can be incorporated into a number of delicious meals, including eggplant parmesan.
By Nicole Smith, BDO Staff Writer
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