What has a flat stomach with 5 colors to do?
As a child, your mom probably told you to eat your veggies and said they would help you. Popeye ate his spinach and Bugs Bunny was always munching on a carrot. In addition to that, there’s the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Is there really anything to this, or is it just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo to help the lettuce farmer stay in business? Actually, there are a lot of good facts to it. Let’s take a look.
One important benefit to consider is color, sometimes referred to as the colors of health. Five colors make up this healthy color wheel – blue/purple, green, white, yellow/orange and red. Nutritionists are now telling us that the best way to a healthy meal plan is to eat a rainbow of colors, with your plate a good resemblance of a box of crayons. In doing this, you are giving your body numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, in addition to fiber. And you will flatten your stomach. Let’s examine the benefits derived from each of these colors:
Blue/Purple
The fruits and veggies contained in this group – eggplant, blueberries, plums, and purple/red cabbage to name a few – contain a degree of antioxidant benefits from phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics. Some of the health advantages include: urinary track health, memory function and healthy aging.
Green
Lutein and indoles are phytochemicals found in the green spectrum. Vision health and strong bones and teeth are a portion of the benefits of adding green foods to your diet. Green suggestions include: kiwifruit, asparagus, broccoli, green beans and green peas.
White (includes Brown and Tan also)
Though a lot has been said about taking the white out of your diet (bleached flour, white bread, white rice, etc), white fruits and veggies are a good addition. The phytochemical allicin is found in the garlic and onion families. Garlic has been praised in recent years for helping to maintain proper cholesterol levels in healthy individuals. Bananas are a great source of potassium and Vitamin C. Other delicious additions to the white category include: pears, cauliflower, jicama and the ever popular potato.
Yellow/Orange
Vitamin C definitely reigns supreme in this group, along with carotenoids and bioflavonoids. Some of the benefits derived from this group include: vision health, heart health, and a healthy immune system. Popular members in this group are: oranges (no brainer here, right?), carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
Red
Rounding out this color spectrum is red. Lycopene and anthocyanins reign high in health from this group. Benefits from the red group include: better memory function, urinary tract health, and a healthy heart. Much loved red group members include: strawberries, watermelon, cherries, cranberries, beets, and tomatoes.
Keep in mind too that a diet rich in fruits and veggies – with all colors contributing – may help to reduce your risk for certain cancers. Combined with exercise and healthy amounts of dairy products, protein and good fats, you will also be on your way to losing unwanted belly fat and achieving or maintaining a flat stomach.
