Eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is wise at any age. Numerous studies have pointed to the power of vegetables to help prevent disease and contribute to overall wellness. Early research indicates that the benefits are related, in part, to the abundance of antioxidant vitamins. Dark-colored fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and oranges, contain high doses of antioxidants.
Color counts!
Vegetables are believed to have beneficial properties based on their particular color: |
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Red
Red/Purple
Orange
Orange/Yellow
Green
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May protect against prostate cancer, heart and lung disease
May delay cellular aging and help block formation of blood clots
May help in the fight against cancer and are useful for repairing damaged DNA
May reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
May inhibit carcinogenic action
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A diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. And that list keeps on growing as researchers learn more about how nutrition affects health. For example, there is research that indicates that the antioxidants in blueberries may improve balance, coordination, and short-term memory and lower your chance of suffering from certain diseases.
Poor nutrition, on the other hand, may prolong recovery from illnesses, increase the costs and incidence of hospitalization or long-term care and lead to a poorer quality of life.
When considering your individual diet, it’s always wise to check with a doctor. He or she can take into account any health conditions and special dietary requirements or restrictions that may apply.
