You need to have a colorful diet to take full advantage of the nutrition from fruits and vegetables.
Consume 7 to 9 servings per day.
It is best for you to only buy the ones that are in season.
If you have an insulin-related problem, choose well and control your consumption.
Too many sweet fruits may not be good for you.
Some fruits and vegetables are rich in carbohydrates.
Remember that your body turns carbohydrates to sugar.
The colorful diet is based on the nutritional qualities of 25,000 natural chemicals called phytonutrients.
To give protection to the entire body on a cellular level, you need to eat fruits and vegetables of various colors.
The interaction between the phytonutrients provides health benefits.
It is much better to have a good variety in your healthy diet.
This approach is an effective way of reducing risks of the top global health problems - cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
So put color into your life! Paint your plate with your nutrition rainbow everyday for many years of good health! Dr.
David Heber, author of "What Color is Your Diet?" and director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, grouped fruits and vegetables into seven color categories.
Red group is rich in lycopene, which seems to defend against prostate, lung, stomach, pancreatic, breast, cervical, colorectal, oral and esophageal cancers.
Some sources are tomatoes and pink grapefruit.
Yellow/Green group is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help improver your eye health.
These macular carotenoids are believe to reduce the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD).
Some sources are yellow corn and orange pepper.
Orange group is rich in alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which protect you from cancer and enhance your immune system.
Some sources are carrots, cantaloupes, and pumpkin.
Orange/Yellow group is rich in beta-cryptothanxins, which may help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Some sources are oranges, papayas, and peaches.
Red/Purple group is rich in anthocyanins, which may help prevent cancer, heart disease, eye disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and ulcer.
Some sources are bilberry, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and eggplants.
Green group is rich in sulforaphane, isocyanate, and indoles, which protect you from cancer.
Some sources are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, okra, and watercress.
White/Green group is rich in allicin, which help reduce atherosclerosis, decreases blood pressure, and normalizes lipoprotein balance.
Some sources are celery, chives, and endives.