Press Releases: Georgia

February 20, 2012

Contact: Kerri Hartsfield, 404-949-5121

Thrive Guide: Nature’s Edible Rainbow

An article by Christen Miller, RD, LD, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia

ATLANTA — Fruits and vegetables are power foods. They provide vitamins and minerals that can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, they are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel full.

Did you know that choosing a variety of colors is the best way to reap the most benefits from your fruit and vegetables? Here are a few examples of these colors and their nutritional benefits:

RED fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, watermelon, raspberries) contain the plant pigments lycopene and anthocyanin which can help prevent certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, and protect cells from environmental damage.

YELLOW/ORANGE foods(carrots, cantaloupe, rutabaga)contain Vitamin C and beta carotene, a plant pigment, which can help boost immune function, maintain healthy mucous membranes and protect one’s eyes.

BLUE/PURPLE fruits and vegetables (blueberries, eggplant, prunes) contain the plant pigment anthocyanin, which acts as an antioxidant that protects against cell damage, and may also help reduce risk for cancer and heart disease, while improving memory function.

GREEN foods (kale, limes, broccoli) contain the plant pigment chlorophyll, as well as the compound lutein, which help to keep eyes healthy. Green leafy veggies contain folate, a B vitamin which helps to prevent certain birth defects, and Vitamin K, which is essential for blood healthy blood clotting.

WHITE foods (bananas, onions, potatoes) contain the plant pigment anthoxanthin and minerals such as potassium which may help to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stomach and other cancers.

Keep these in mind the next time you are at the grocery store. Remember, fruits and vegetables can be added to salads, soups, stir-fries, sandwiches and even pizza.

About Thrive Guide
Kaiser Permanente of Georgia created Thrive Guide as a resource for metro Atlanta media outlets. Our goal is to help the media empower their readers or viewers with information on leading a healthier lifestyle.

About Kaiser Permanente of Georgia
Kaiser Permanente is Georgia’s largest not-for-profit health plan. Its mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 240,000 members in a 28-county service area in metro Atlanta with care focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and team of heath care providers. Expert and caring medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Nationally, Kaiser Permanente is recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers, serving approximately 8.9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.kp.org.