Add Color To Your Plate This Summer
Spring is here. The grills are starting to come out. The pools are opening. Fruit and vegetable stands are on the sides of the road. This is the time of year when fruits and vegetables taste their best. Add color to your plate this summer and enjoy the health benefits of fresh vegetables.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are various biologically active compounds found in plants that have disease preventive properties. Foods that contain phytochemicals are colorful vegetables and fruits. Dark leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes and berries are a good source of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
AHA recommends eating 4.5 cups of vegetables and fruits a day for increased health benefits. To reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers start adding color to your plate.
During the summertime you will find it less expensive to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The local grown produce flavors and colors will satisfy everyone. Enjoy a salad every night for dinner filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. There are some great tasting salad recipes you can find on the Internet. Just be cautious of the salad dressing. The more colors you have the more flavor your salad will have. You will not need all that salad dressing.
Blueberry Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups of mixed greens
1/4 cup of blueberries
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup chopped orange and yellow peppers
Raspberry vinaigrette to taste.
Instructions:
