Red foods are packed with phytonutrients with multiple benefits including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, immune health, health of the blood vessels, DNA health, prostate health and protective for the brain, heart and immune system. “An Apple a Day” may truly keep the doctor away after all!
Great Red Food Options
- Apples
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Cranberries
- Cherries
- Papaya
- Pink Grapefruit
- Pomegranate
- Watermelon
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Rhubarb
- Kidney Beans
- Red Beans
Three Common Phytonutrients Found in Red Foods:
Lycopene:
- Common red food sources of Lycopene include cooked tomato products, guava, pink grapefruit and watermelon.
- Proven protective against cancers such as prostate, kidney, lung, breast and skin.
- Reduces the risk of cholesterol and heart disease
- Increases your skin’s defense against UV rays
Anthocyanins:
- Common red sources of Anthocyanins include cherries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, beets, kidney beans and red beans.
- Decreases cholesterol levels
- Improves blood sugar
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases oxidative stress
- Decreases inflammation
- Protects the liver
- Improves eyesight
Quercetin
- Common red food sources include onions, apples, berries, and cherries.
- Decreases inflammation
- May decrease risk of certain cancers including liver, lung, breast, bladder, blood, colon, ovarian and adrenal cancers.
- May protect from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Improves allergy symptoms
- Decreases blood pressure
- Decreased risk of heart disease
Go grab yourself a red fruit or vegetable and enjoy the benefits!