Colors of Fruits and Vegetables (information provided by Eminence)

As the colors of Appalachian Mountains change every day from rich gold to deep mahogany and red go outside and enjoy the crisp air and deep blue sky. At the same time, remember to eat healthy and prepare for the cold and dry winter. Yes, dry winter – when many forget to hydrate their skin and body in colder temperatures. Cold, dry air dehydrates the body the same way as summer heat. Please remember to drink lots of water during fall outdoor activities.
Let’s go back to colors of fruits.

RED: Found in tomatoes, persimmons, watermelons and pink grapefruit.

Carotenoids are a fierce cancer fighter and can also help prevent heart disease by inhibiting the formation of harmful LDL cholesterol. The deeper the red or pink color found in fruit and vegetables, the higher the lycopene content. Studies have shown that a high intake of tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer quite.

ORANGE Indicates: Beta-carotene

Found in oranges, carrots, mangoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apricots, squash, rock melons and papayas.

Beta-carotene is a major antioxidant that lowers cholesterol and converts it to vitamin A. Fruit and vegetable skins are nearly always packed with nutrients. Beta-carotene is an immune booster that helps fight off colds, flu, cystitis and skin problems. A study of smokers showed that those who ate more beta-carotene had a lower incidence of lung cancer, but this was only true when the beta-carotene was acquired from food, not a supplement. Like lycopene, beta-carotene is fat-soluble. These orange fruits and vegetables are also high in the immune-booster, vitamin C.

Hmm…hmm… yummy!
To be continued…