Author: Justine Kelly, Sun Basket
Food Sources
Ways to Increase Blue and Purple Food Intake:
Add blueberries to muffins, pancakes, and hot or cold cereals.
Grab some plums or raisins for a snack on the go.
Use Purple Belgian Endive as the main ingredient in a salad
Use Purple Cabbage when preparing coleslaw.
Definitions
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants and give fruits and vegetables their colors. They help protect plants from diseases found in the environment, and similarly protect us. Studies have linked increased fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.
Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene, and flavonoids.
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
Jake Frank






















