Our ancestors (according to the research in the book by Dr Mark Hyman- WTF should we eat?) ate more than 800 varieties of plants!
Unlike today where we have Uber eats and shops down the road at a convenience, and the fact we are not going into a depression, war, or lack of produce (questionable for our future). We have everything available today, but do we eat the correct produce?
Our ancestors and generations before us ate so much fibre, which we know is super beneficial to a healthy Gut. As part of my Gut healing program one of the keys is in the variety of colours, as the more colours you eat, the more anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, healing compounds from the phytonutrients your body soaks up. Nature is clever- plants/foods are medicine.
- RED- indicates the carotenoid lycopene e.g. tomatoes, capsicums and carrots. Lycopene protects against heart disease and genetic damage.
- BLUE-PURPLE- contains anthocyanins e.g. eggplants, beetroots, red cabbage, purple potatoes. Anthocyanins prevent blood clots, delay cell ageing and may prevent neurological damage, such as in Alzheimer’s onset.
- GREEN- found in the brassica family e.g. broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, kale, rocket etc. These contain sulforaphane, phytochemicals, isocyanines and indoles which help with detoxification and inhibit carcinogens.
- GREEN-WHITE- things like garlic, onions, leeks contains allicins which are powerful anticarcinogens, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin.
- ORANGE- the beta-carotene and alpha-carotene found in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, great for skin and vision.
- YELLOW-GREEN- these can be yellow capsicum, corn, squash but also ones that don’t appear yellow to the eye like turnip-greens, spinach, avocado. These contains the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin which protect the heart of atherosclerosis and vision.
So if you are struggling with bloating, gas, constipation, loose light coloured stools, or your children are fussy and don’t like certain vegetables, hide them/ make juices/make colourful dips- be creative! Its our everyday habits that can create the foundation of health.