Red Foods: Why To Add Them In Your Diet?

Have you ever heard of the phrase "eating a rainbow"? It's a simple way to diversify your diet by adding a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables and guide you to make healthier choices throughout the day. This provides you with different food choices of different colours that come with a variety of vitamins and minerals that are required by the body on a regular basis and help you maintain a balanced diet. One of the main food groups in this spectrum is Red fruits and vegetables.

Red fruits and vegetables are mainly known for their cancer-fighting properties that are contributed by the phytochemicals present in them. They are also known to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Eating red fruits and vegetables can help in boosting up antioxidant levels in your blood which has a vast range of benefits in itself. A few examples of Healthiest Red Fruits are:

1. Red Apples
2. Cherries
3. Strawberries
4. Watermelon
5. Pomegranates
6. Raspberries
Healthiest Red Vegetables:
1. Tomatoes
2. Beetroots
3. Red Bell Pepper
4. Carrots
5. Red Cabbage

Benefits of the commonly available Red Fruits & Vegetables-
1. Red Apples:
The phrase "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away" is there for a reason. Apples are one of the healthiest fruits out there because of the long list of nutrients they carry. Apples are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol which is why they are known as superfoods that help prevent heart diseases. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B (like niacin and vitamin B6), vitamin K plus they are high in dietary fibre that aids in proper digestion. They also contain many minerals including calcium, iron and magnesium. Apples help in boosting the immune system,increase metabolism and help in detoxifying the body. With this long list of health benefits, no wonder they are called "nutritional powerhouses".

2. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes, linked to many health benefits are known for reducing the risk of heart diseases and cancer. They are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, that A. Has a positive effect on the skin, B. Help in lowering the oxidative stress levels of the body. Tomatoes also help in protecting bones and teeth because of the presence of vitamin K and prevent diseases like osteoporosis. A recent study also showed the high amount of water and potassium in tomatoes help in averting kidney stones.

3. Strawberry:
This fruit is loaded with flavonoids like Vitamin C, folate and quercetin that can act as antioxidants which form a strong line of defence against tumour growth. Strawberries are also rich in iodine and certain phytochemicals that help in proper functioning of the nervous system. They boost the production of fat burning hormones adiponectin and leptin. On top of all these health benefits, strawberries are so delicious!

4. Watermelon:
Watermelons make for a perfect snack for summers as they keep the body hydrated and every juicy bite of this fruit contains adequate levels of vitamin B6, A and C. These along with lycopene act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C in watermelon also helps in keeping the skin supple and hair strong. Watermelons are perfect go-to, low calorie treats.

5. Red Bell Peppers:
What makes bell peppers so delicious is that they are crispy and sweet at the same time. They act as a host to many vitamins (B6&C) and minerals (folate) that help in the proper functioning of the body. A very important benefit of eating red bell peppers is that it helps to support healthy eyesight and night vision.

Our hectic routines and everyday struggles drain our bodies out making our immune system, focus and strength weak. This leaves us with a constant need for proper nutrition which can only be achieved with a balanced diet. So remember to add a variety of colours to your diet, providing your body with all the nutrients it needs.