crush pain with a rainbow

What if I said that there is a medicine that boosts our health, supports our immune system and decreases inflammation with no side effects and little cost? Would you be interested? Yes? Well, it exists and is found in plant foods as phytonutrients. These phytonutrients gift fruits and vegetables with color, protection and strength. In humans, phytonutrients act as antioxidants and decrease inflammatory damage. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce these vital nutrients. The solution is to eat a variety of colorful, plant foods that help our bodies decrease painful inflammation. Phytonutrients boost our immune system, protect our eyes, improve our skin, restore balance and shift our body to a healthier, low inflammation state. What more could we ask for?

Important Phytonutrients

           Carotenoids: Think red, orange, yellow and green plant foods.

                                    Beta-Carotene: Look for dark, leafy greens & orange vegetables.

                                                -Broccoli, spinach, collard greens, kale

                        -Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe

            Lutein: Look for greens.

                        -Lettuce, broccoli, kale, collard greens, brussels sprouts, artichokes

            Lycopene: Look for red and pink

                        -Red peppers, watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit

            Polyphenols: Great antioxidants, think grapes, berries, teas, spices and dark chocolate.

            Resveratrol: Look for blue and purple.

                        -Grapes, blueberries, mulberries, red wine, plums, apples

                        -Peanuts, pistachios

            Grape Seed Extract

            Curcumin (turmeric): Antioxidant and acts like a natural NSAID to help with pain.

                                   Green Tea Extract: Good antioxidant, decreases inflammation.

                                    Olive fruit extract: Good antioxidant, decreases inflammation.

                                    Flavonoids: Strong antioxidant, decreases inflammation.

                                                -Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries

                                                -Red wine, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, mint, celery

                                                -Red potatoes, red onions, radishes, plums, parsley, red peppers

                                                -Chamomile, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, chocolate

                                                -Apples, onions, broccoli, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, peaches

                                                -Soybeans, chickpeas, fava beans, grapes

            This may seem like a lot to remember but the bottom line is simple: try to eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits [figure below]. Feel free to add tofu, chickpeas, nuts and seeds for more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Then, enjoy a glass of unsweetened iced tea, a cup of hot tea or maybe, a glass of red wine. You can finish your meal with a bowl of berries topped with mint leaves and a bite of dark chocolate. Delicious! This type of meal fuels your body for less painful inflammation, less disease and more function. It tastes better. You feel better. It’s just better!