Enjoying a Rainbow of Produce – Yellow Fruits and Vegetables

A golden way to add more nutrition to your diet is by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Besides livening up your dinner table, they may also help you enjoy a longer life.

There’s nothing to be cautious about when filling up on yellow produce. And laying claim to some of the most powerful of the 10,000 anti-oxidants, yellow fruits and vegetables not only brighten up your plate, they brighten up your eyes.

The two main antioxidants – lutein and zeaxanthin – in yellow produce are like the dynamic duo working together to protect your eyes. Their special powers and several delicious recipes are featured below:

Lutein – One of the mightiest antioxidants for the eyes, lutein slows macular degeneration, which is the leading causing of blindness in the elderly. Lutein also helps prevent cataracts, reduce the risk of heart disease and protect against breast cancer.

Zeaxanthin – Another potent antioxidant for the eyes, zeaxanthin helps build the yellow macular pigment that shields eye cells from dangerous light frequencies. It also neutralizes free radicals that can destroy cells in the eyes.

Yellow Peppers – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/yellow_pepper_relish.html

Lemons – http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roast-lemon-vinaigrette-10000001178501/

Pineapple ­– http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pineapple_jalape_o_salsa.html

Corn ­– http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/tilapia_corn_chowder.html

Yellow Squash – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pesto_topped_grilled_summer_squash.html

Next week, we’ll discover how green fruits and vegetables are key to living a healthy life.

Sources – http://www.visivite.com/zeaxanthin-information.html

http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/fruitsvegetables/

http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/20-healthy-fall-fruits-and-vegetables/

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/lutein

Rev Up The Blender for Healthy Lungs

The blender stops whirling and that first swig of your frothy smoothie goes down fast and easy. Ah! Such a delectable blend of fruits, vegetables and herbs. It makes your tummy so happy.

It’s not just your belly that rejoices from that flux of super nutrients and fresh flavors. It’s also your lungs.

Lungs? Really?

Yes, a nutrient-packed smoothie can be good for your lungs. In fact, there are specific fruits, vegetables and herbs that can boost your lung health.

Although there are countless natural substances that help the lungs, we’ve picked 5 that are delicious and easy to find. We’ve also specially selected a quick and easy smoothie recipe packed with nutrients that help protect your lungs.

Carrots – This orange wonder stick is an anti-inflammatory for the lung’s mucus membranes while also helping reduce coughs. Carrot Smoothie

Parsley – Famous for garnishing fancy dinner plates, this curly cutie has been shown to inhibit tumor formation in the lungs. The special oils in parsley help neutralize cancer-causing carcinogens that we breathe in, such as cigarette and charcoal grill smoke. Parsley Smoothie

Grapefruit – The citrus family’s super sour cousin also helps break down cigarette smoke enzymes in the air that cause cancer. Grapefruit Smoothie

Ginger – Often pickled and pink and abandoned on a sushi platter, the raw form of this Asian delicacy helps detox the lungs, improves asthma conditions and expands lung capacity. Ginger Smoothie

Pineapple – This tropical treat detoxifies the lungs with bromelin – an enzyme that helps eliminate toxins. Pineapple Smoothie

So, take a little field trip to your favorite market to stock up on lung-healthy produce – then blend away. Better health is only a few gulps away. Your lungs will thank you.

Sources

http://www.holistic-medicine-works.com/carrot-nutrition.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/500520-ginger-root-for-the-lungs/

http://www.pittmandavis.com/articles/citrus/grapefruit/eat-grapefruit/5-amazing-reasons-for-eating-grapefruit.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=100