eat the rainbow

You may have heard the term ‘eat the rainbow’ but have you ever wondered why it is so important? 🌈
Phytonutrients are compounds that are found in fruits and vegetables that give them their colour and health properties. Eating a wide variety ensures you are getting enough vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants to protect against illness. A good way to ensure you are consuming a wide variety is to add a different fruit or vegetable to your diet each week.

🍓 Red fruits and vegetables contain the pigment called lycopene which is an antioxidant that can keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of cancer.
🍇 Blue/purple fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanin which protects against cell damage and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
🍊 Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids and lutein which maintains healthy mucous membranes, healthy eyes, prevents cataracts, and decreases the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
🥦 Green fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids, saponins, and indoles which have anticancer properties.
🥥 Brown/white fruits and vegetables contain allicin which is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Have a think about what new food you could add to your diet this week.