RAINBOW FOODS

Trying to eat and feed your family the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day (and the true figure for optimum health should be eight servings not five) can seem a daunting task but you can make it more fun and reap numerous health benefits into the bargain by planning some of your meals around different food colours or Rainbow Foods. This novel approach will ensure a dietary intake of a wide variety of all the plant- or phytochemicals that work naturally to not only boost health, but protect us from sickness. These plant agents are widely used in natural remedies so if you know your diet would benefit from more variety, use supplementation to ensure you are not missing out on any of them.
BLUE/PURPLE FOODS All dark-coloured red/blue/purple foods are rich in powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that can help protect against heart disease by improving circulation and preventing blood clots. They provide numerous anti-ageing phytochemicals that help keep the blood circulating and can help counter the adverse health effects of a diet rich in processed food which will inevitably include unhealthy trans-fats.
	ACAI New research has now confirmed the potent health benefits of this fruit that grows wild in the Brazilian Rainforest and has been used by the indigenous population for centuries. Acai is an antioxidant-rich, dark purple berry that has been dubbed “nature’s most nutritious food.” Its deep purple colouration indicates it is an excellent source of heart-protecting polyphenols but even more astonishing, it contains levels of anthocyanins now shown to be 33 times higher than the concentrations found in red wine grapes. Rich in the Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, it can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
	BILBERRY The flavonoid plant agents in Bilberry make this an important remedy for supporting eye health. Studies show these agents can accelerate the regeneration of the purple pigment used by the rods in the eye for healthy vision and it also works in the body to strengthen capillaries and support the production of connective tissue. They are also famous for their ability to dramatically reduce blood sugar levels.
	BLUEBERRY Researchers at the USA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) have ranked blueberries No. 1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain powerful phytochemicals, including anthocyanin, which is the pigment that gives blueberries their colour. Blueberries are associated with numerous health benefits including protection against urinary-tract infections. They can help prevent the build-up of “bad” cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease and, since they are high in fibre, can also play a useful role in the management of digestive disorders, including constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
	ELDERBERRY Elderberry has fantastic antiviral properties and can support the immune system through infections as varied as flu and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A powerful antioxidant in its own right, it can also help combat free radicals and relieve inflammation.
GREEN FOODS Green foods and supplements contain potent phytochemicals, such as lutein and indoles, which have impressive health-promoting antioxidant benefits. Green foods are excellent for detoxification.
	BROCCOLI Rich in glutamine – an important amino acid that can help detoxify carcinogens in the digestive tract – and thus may help protect the colon from disease.
	CHLORELLA This is one of the few edible species of water-grown algae. The chlorophyll in chlorella can help accelerate cleansing of the bloodstream. Chlorella is very high in the genetic materials, RNA and DNA, and has been found to protect against the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Studies also show it to be an excellent source of protein. It is very effective in heavy metal detox.
	CHLOROPHYLL This is the substance responsible for the green colour of plants and has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties.
	SPIRULINA Rich in vitamin B5, which helps support healthy digestion, Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-rich, energy-boosting superfoods known to mankind. It contains all the essential amino acids and essential fats, as well as most of the vitamins and minerals required for health in useful quantities.
	WHEATGRASS Wheatgrass is a rich nutritional food packed with vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Use as a health-boosting tonic or mix with water to make a paste to dab on spots and skin eruptions.
RED FOODS Red foods contain numerous phytochemicals that help reduce free radical damage. One of them, Lycopene, is especially helpful in preventing prostate problems and has been shown to reduce the effects of sun damage on the skin. Lycopene is the phytochemical that gives red foods their colour.
	GOJI JUICE also known as Wolfberry, was used in ancient and secret Tibetan recipes as a delicious- tasting elixir providing numerous health benefits. The Goji Berry from the Goji plant (Lycium Barbarum) flourishes in the Himalayan Mountains and is loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and even more amino acids (18). It has more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach and 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges. These can be bought in dried form at Sainsbury’s.
	MANGOSTEEN is the fruit of the Garcinia Mangostana plant and is harvested mainly from the tropical forests of East Asia. Local populations have utilised this little-known fruit for its various health benefits, including pain relief, for centuries. It can help bolster energy levels and boasts a high concentration of xanthones; antioxidants that will help fight free radical damage.
	NONI can help remedy a variety of health disorders, from diabetes and high blood pressure to arthritis, poor digestion, skin afflictions and menstrual cramps. It is considered a strong blood purifier, and cleanses the body of harmful bacteria.
	POMEGRANATE The humble pomegranate, once enjoyed as nothing more than a tasty fruit, is now being hailed by researchers as having extraordinary antioxidant properties that protect the body from free radicals. Recent studies show a positive connection between the pomegranate, rich in polyphenols, and heart health.
WHITE/GREEN FOODS White and green combination foods contain a variety of phytochemicals. Garlic and onions contain allicin, the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal phytochemical. Celery has many minerals, especially organic sodium, that keeps the fluid in the joints healthy.

YELLOW/ORANGE FOODS The foods that are orange and yellow in colour are high in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, and help to improve the health of the mucus membranes and connective tissue. They help prevent heart disease by improving circulation and preventing inflammation.