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You’ve heard it all before: Nutritionists recommend eating a wide variety of colored natural foods in your diet for optimal health. They say you should “eat the rainbow” every day. But what does that mean, exactly?
Filling your plate with fruits and vegetables of all kinds and colors is a natural way to support your body’s essential functions. An added bonus is that the more natural food you eat, the less likely you are to fill up on junk and processed food, which can do harm to the body.
Many people avoid “eating the rainbow” because they think it is too expensive to eat healthy. The good news is, with a home garden you can “grow a rainbow” of fresh and natural foods to feed your family for just pennies on the dollar. Instead of paying high prices at the grocery store for less-than-superior-quality produce, you can grow your own.
I love knowing that I’m taking an active role in feeding my family healthy, good quality foods that we grow ourselves. I do not have to worry about chemicals, toxins, pesticides and additives when I grow my own food. I love knowing my garden is grown organically and that I use all-natural and organic fertilizers like ProtoGrow instead of chemical alternatives. It makes me feel good to know I’m nourishing my family with safe and healthy food.
Want to get started growing a “rainbow” garden? Here’s a guide to get you started right away…just in time for growing season!
1. Red Foods
Red fruits and veggies are good for the brain and can help fight against memory loss. Red fruits and veggies promote heart health, may reduce your chance of cancer, and may help with joint pain and arthritis.
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Grow: Beets, radishes, red bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, raspberries and cherries.
2. Orange
Orange-colored fruits and veggies protect your eyes and vision. They can lower your cancer risk and boost your immune system, too!
Grow: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash and cantaloupes.
3. Yellow
Yellow produce decreases inflammation in the body and again, lowers your risk of developing cancer. Research is showing yellow fruits and veggies are supportive of a healthy respiratory system, too.
Grow: Corn, peaches, pineapple & citrus (grows well in certain climates), yellow peppers, and squash.
4. Green
The green fruits and veggies are cancer-fighting powerhouses. They strengthen your bones and muscles and are good for vision, eyes and brain health, too.
Grow: A wide variety of lettuces, microgreens, spinach, sprouts, kale, collards, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, herbs and broccoli.
5. Blue & Indigo (Violet/Purple)
This family of produce lowers your cancer risk, promotes heart health, proper digestion and urinary tract health. This category of foods is also good for lowering blood pressure and increasing memory and brain health.
Grow: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes and eggplant.
Don’t Forget Your “Other” Colors!
Cauliflower, garlic, leeks, onions, legumes and even mushrooms – while not exactly colorful — are still healthy choices you can also grow at home. These foods will help you lower your cancer risk and they support overall heart health, too.
So…what are you waiting for in 2014? Grow the rainbow and nourish your body!
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