In honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about the benefits of eating red fruits and vegetables. When we think of red fruits and vegetables, strawberry and tomato come to mind. These red fruits and vegetables are packed in vitamins and antioxidants. Research has shown that red and bright pink fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, such as lycopene and anthocyanins. Phytochemicals, helps your body fight disease and promote good health, while Lycopene helps reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Here is a list of these beautiful red fruits and vegetables and what you can gain from eating them.
1. Strawberries, the love fruit.
- This fruit helps the heart and has a good source of the antioxidant, Vitamin C. Add a few sliced strawberries to your cereal or yogurt, or simply eat it whole!
- Great source of Lycopene. Has the ability to decrease heart disease and improves blood vessels to lower stroke risk.
3. An apple a day keeps the LDL away.
- An apple a day can really keep the doctor away. Apples can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and eating the peel contains tons of antioxidants.
4. Cherry on top please.
- High in fiber due to the skin. This lovely fruit is rich in vitamin C as well as potassium, which can help maintain a lower blood pressure.
5. Cranberries are quite smashing.
- Great fruit to raise good cholesterol and for your heart. Cranberry juice can decrease clogging of the arteries by preventing plaque from forming. Also rich in vitamin C.
- High in fiber, which can help lower levels of bad cholesterol.
- These tiny little seeds are delicious and a great source of fiber, potassium, folate and cooper. Contains Vitamin C and K as well.
8. Pink grapefruit
- Choose pink when picking this fruit. Pink grapefruit has a higher antioxidant level and Vitamin C.
9. Tomato, Toe-ma-toe.
- This scrumptious fruit/vegetable (a long time debate) has a good source of potassium and vitamin C, which makes them heart healthy!
10. Beet of my heart
- This root vegetables are rich in folate, lycopene, and anthocyanins. Try it in a salad or soup!
11. Red bell pepper
- This great vegetable is high in vitamin A, which helps with skin, bones, and teeth. It also has as much vitamin C as an orange.
Add a little red to your everyday life and begin to feel the wonderful effects of these great fruits and vegetables! Happy Valentine’s Day readers. Have a sweet one!
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