BANZA May 2016 Issue | Page 91

HEALTH Yellow/Green: predominant nutrient- lutein Lutein targets particularly eye health and the degeneration that can occur in the eyes from age. Lutein is also paired with high levels of vitamin C, which aid in boosting one’s immune system. Foods which will give you these nutrients are kiwi fruit, pistachio nuts, green melon, spinach, and avocado. Avocado and Pistachio nuts have the added benefit of being a very healthy oil as well, and will help to sustain your energy levels throughout the day- as well as to contribute to your omega-3 intake. Red: Predominant nutrient, Lycopene. Foods in shades of red have multiple benefits for the body such as providing tannins which reduce the risk of bacteria staying in the body, vitamin C, and lycopene- a strong antioxidant. The PBH mentions that cooking red foods such as tomatoes increases the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients and is, in fact, more beneficial to the body in this form. Foods which contain these wonderful benefits are things such as tomatoes, beetroot, watermelon, raspberries, guavas, and grapefruit. This food group is arguably the tastiest- so these can often be used as a delicious treat as a healthier replacement for dessert. Yellow/Orange: predominant nutrient, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. These are both antioxidants, as well as helping with vision. The PBH also notes that this food group is a large contributor to skin and bone health, making it crucial in warding off diseases such as osteoporosis. To get your daily intake of these nutrients, you should be adding foods such as carrots, pumpkin/butternut, mangos, oranges, and sweetcorn into your daily diet. Not only do these foods help with your vision, but they also enhance the appearance of any plate by adding their bright, beautiful color! To ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs in a day, start counting colors. Liven up your day by picking foods to eat from each of the groups above and put together delicious, nutritious combinations. What artwork of food will you be feeding your body today? 91