The Color Orange

You have probably heard that you should eat a rainbow of foods – red, yellow, orange, blue purple and white. Each color is loaded with specific nutrients that help make a well-balanced diet, and while each color is important, let’s concentrate on a very prominent color theses days, orange.

Orange foods get their color from the antioxidant, beta-carotene which helps support healthy skin, hair and vision. There is less beta-carotene in orange citrus fruits, but they are loaded with another antioxidant vitamin C which also helps fight infection. So, make sure you have some orange on your plate every day!

Now, it needs to be noted that not all orange foods are good for you. If it’s not orange by nature, chances are you shouldn’t be putting it in your body because it probably is loaded with chemicals and preservatives to get that bright orange hue. Some examples of these foods are cheese chips and crackers, candy corn, processed cheese, canned pumpkin pie mix, store-bought orange juice and sweet potato fries. ( Freshly squeezed orange juice, organic cheese and baked sweet potato “fires” are perfectly fine and good for you!)

Here are some super healthy orange foods for you to enjoy.

  • Pumpkins – They are full of vitamin A that helps to keep your eyes healthy, and are high in fiber to aid in digestion.
  • Sweet Potatoes – They taste sweet but have a low-glycemic index which means the sugar in sweet potatoes is released slowly into the blood stream to provide a sustainable source of energy.
  • Butternut squash – It is low-fat and high fiber to keep you feeling fuller for longer. It also has vitamins A. B6, C and E, plus manganese and potassium.
  • Turmeric – This bright orange spice originally from India has gained in popularity over the past few years because it can help reduce inflammation. Not only that, it can aid digestion, eliminate dandruff, enhance memory, fade stretch marks, alleviate depression and more.
  • Carrots – Bedsides improving your night vision, carrots can slow aging skin cells, reduce chronic inflammation, lower your risk of stroke and even help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Persimmons – Persimmons, sometimes called the “Fruits of the Gods” offer several health benefits. They contain antioxidants and polyphenols that improve cardiovascular health and lots of fiber that helps prevent the build-up of LDL (bad cholesterol) which reduces the overall build-up of plaque in your arteries.
  • Oranges – Of course, oranges are loaded with vitamin C which can guard us against winter colds and flu, but they also help fight heart disease and support healthy brain function. Oranges alkalize your body and keep your ph in check to prevent on onset of infections.

Have you had your “orange” today?

– Becky Lynn is a writer for EllisDownHome.com. She and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their 8 grandchildren and traveling. Becky loves cranking up the music and heading to the kitchen to try out new recipes or cook for an upcoming party. She is passionate about continuing to be a life-long learner!

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