In school, your teacher taught you the pyramid of foods to eat for a healthy diet. A few years ago, it was changed completely as more and more research and studies showed that eating less meat and dairy and more fruits and veggies are healthier for us. In fact, studies show that an increase of fruits and vegetable consumption - especially vegetables - can prevent an estimated 10 to 20 percent of breast cancer cases.
Dr. Daniel Nadeau, author of The Color Code: A Revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health, recommends that we eat a variety of foods from the four basic color groups: Red, Blue-Purple, Orange-Yellow, And Green. Each of these foods contain phytochemicals (pigments which give plants their bright colors) that help guard against chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Now it's not enough to just eat 4-8 servings of fruits and veggies a day the more the better.Carotenoid substances are found in deep green and orange vegetables and fruits, like broccoli, carrots and cantaloupe, kale, spinach and other cooked greens), alpha-carotene (in carrots and pumpkin) and beta-cryptoxanthin (in oranges, peaches and papayas).
From the red group, strawberries, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, beets and red peppers are powerful sources of antioxidants. They also contain a large amount of Vitamin C and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid destroys carcinogenic substances and makes cancerous cells self-destruct. Cranberries fight ulcers and cherries reduce inflammation.
Carrots are one of the top cancer fighting foods. Foods in the orange-yellow group such as oranges, grapefruits and other fruits with citrus peel reduce skin cancer risk.
Spinach protects the eyes from cataracts. Green vegetables like avocados help to lower cholesterol.
Grape juice stops plaque formation in the blood vessels, keeps arteries elastic and inhibits clot formation. Blue foods reduce stress and help eliminate free radicals. Blueberries may improve memory. Discover more nutrition information at the New Century chiropractic spine centers website in San Diego.
Learn more about a nutrition plan. Stop by New Century in San Diego where you can find out all about chiropractic care and what it can do for you.