Enjoying a Rainbow of Produce ­– Green Fruits and Vegetables

Zooming down the street, you know a green light means go. And when it comes to green fruits and vegetables, you need to floor it – petal to the metal – to get your plate fully loaded with as many green foods as possible.

Packed with the most nutrients and antioxidants of all produce, green fruits and vegetables are stocked with lutein and indoles. These two components can protect you from harmful free-radicals, while boosting your immune system.

The greatest thing about green fruits and vegetables – there’s a fresh variety available throughout the year. Featured below are delicious recipes to please every palate that tout the benefits of green fruits and vegetables.

Lutein

One of the mightiest antioxidants for vision, lutein helps maintain eye health. It specifically helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein also protects skin from dangerous UV rays and keeps it firm and hydrated.

Kiwi – http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/kiwi_salsa/

Honeydew ­– http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/honeydew-mint-00000000017218/index.html

Green Peas – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/garlic_snow_peas.html

Indoles

This powerful phytochemical found in green vegetables – especially cruciferous ones – packs a powerful punch against cancer. As an equal opportunity cancer-fighter, indoles help protect both women against breast cancer and help protect men from prostate cancer.

Broccoli ­– http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/grilled-broccoli-lemons-00100000064470/

Kale – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/kale_salad_preserved_lemon_walnuts.html

Cabbage – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/mediterranean_cabbage_rolls.html

Next week, we’ll discover how dark blue and purple fruits and vegetables offer tremendous nutritional benefits.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828775

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/fruit-and-veggie-color-list

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-health-benefits-green-fruits-4127577.html?cat=5

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