Enjoying a Rainbow of Produce – Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Just as the sun in the sky can uplift your mood, orange fruits and vegetables can perk up your health. Besides the variety of delicious flavors and wonderful aromas, adding orange fruits to your diet can help brighten your health.

With the rainbow of fruits and vegetables containing more than 10,000 compounds based on their color, the benefits of orange fruits and vegetables include powerful anti-oxidants and phytochemicals.

Beta-carotene and bioflavonoids ­– the most common phytochemicals found in orange fruits and vegetables ­– help your body fight disease and promote good health.

With a variety of orange fruits and vegetables always in season, there are many ways to include them in your meals. Their unique benefits and a few delectable seasonal recipes are featured below:

Beta-carotene

Our bodies convert this powerful antioxidant into Vitamin A which nourishes our skin and eyes. It has been found to protect cells, boost the immune system and keep the reproductive system healthy. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Beta-carotene can be found in:

Carrots ­– http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/carrot_soup.html

Sweet Potatoes – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sweet_potato_black_bean_chili.html

Squash – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/squash_tofu_curry.html

Bioflavonoids

These potent phytochemicals work with Vitamin C to help reduce the risk of cancer, strengthen bones and teeth, and lower your risk of heart attack. They also help heal wounds and keep skin healthy.

Bioflavonoids can be found in:

Pumpkin – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pueblo_pumpkin_stew.html

Oranges – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/orange_polentina.html

Apricots – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/apricot_canapes.html

Chocked full of antioxidants, colorful produce improves your health and helps protect you from disease. Include a variety of colors in your diet to give your body a boost of phytochemicals and anti-oxidants.

Next week, we’ll discover how yellow fruits and vegetables can take you to a whole new level of wellness.