A good, sound, exercise program requires the proper fuel. In addition to fuel for the working muscles and bones, foods also richly enhance your health. Think colors when eating-be sure to include these: light green, white, orange/yellow, red, blue/purple, and dark green.
Light green foods include broccoli sprouts, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower-these foods protect your retina from oxidative damage and fights carcinogens.
White foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots boosts immune system, lowers cholesterol, and controls blood pressure.
Orange/Yellow foods provide beta-carotene which reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, slows the progression of diabetes-related vision loss.
Red foods such as cherries, pink grapefruit, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, and watermelon provide lycopene. Lycopene reduces the risk of prostrate, stomach, and lung cancer and heart disease.
Blue-purple foods provide anthocyanin, which promotes circulatory function and cuts the risk of stroke by inhibiting clot formation. Eat plums, blackberries, blueberries, red cabbage, purple grapes.
Dark green foods provide lutein, which lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Avocados, broccoli, greens, spinach, zucchini, cucumbers are a few.
For the best nutrition, combine several in one meal-they have synergistic effects which boost absorption of each. I found this wonderful info from Steven Pratt, MD, the author of Superhealth: 10 simple steps, 6 easy weeks, 1 Longer, Healthier Life(Dutton Adult, 2008).
I promise you I will always provide you with the latest, up-to-date info on a wide variety of health topics.
Stay well, John R. Blilie, M.S.