Orange has always been my favorite color, even as a kid I took a bashing from others telling me that ‘no way was orange a cool color’. And, it so happens that I love many orange foods, doesn’t nectarines scream summer? Maybe some mango juice to cool you down or pumpkins in the fall? Crisp awesome carrots in your stir-fry? Or, how about some orange peppers in your fajitas? I even love me some juicy oranges or tangerines, but sadly I am allergic to the orange (as a fruit) and have to view from a far. Orange to me is like liquid sunshine, whether in food, drink or color form.
Orange colored foods provide vitamins and nutrients that also help to maintain a healthy immune system as well as protect heart and vision health, and reduce cancer risk. Tsang notes that the beta-carotenes in some orange fruits and vegetables may also play a part in preventing cancer, particularly of the lung, esophagus, and stomach. “They may also reduce the risk of heart disease and improve immune function,” she says. Orange colored fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium and vitamin C. these nutrients reduce age related macula degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, fight harmful free radicals, encourage alkaline balance, and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones, as well as it keeps the skin healthy and builds body immunity.
In Dr. Andrew Weil’s Guide to Healthy Eating (fall 2009)
he states that fruits and vegetable get their orange colored from plant compounds called carotenoids, including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. These phytonutrients have been linked to lower risks for several conditions. One June 2009 study, for example, found that a diet including carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women. Other research suggests that people who have high blood levels of carotenoids have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Carrots have long been thought to benefit eyesight, likely due to these phyonutrients, which have also been link to a lower risk of macular degeneration. In addition, carotenoids may reduce risks of rheumatoid arthritis and boost immunity.Orange and yellow citrus fruits, meanwhile, are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin C, which may lower the odds of developing osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Like carotenoids, C is an important vitamin for warding off macular degeneration. Plus, citrus helps to protect the heart and strengthen bones. Oranges and orange juice, as well as cantaloupe and papayas, are also full of folate, which helps prevent birth defects and protect against cardiovascular disease, depression, and some cancers. And, don’t forget the skin: Citrus peels contains d-limonene, a phyonutritent with cancer- protective effects. Research has shown
drinking hot black tea with citrus peel reduced the risk of squamous cell skin cancer by 70 percent, while animal studies suggest that antioxidants found in oranges and tangerine peels may lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. (p38-39)Carotenoids give fruit and vegetables a yellow or orange hue. Carrots, yellow squash and apricots contain beta-carotene. Your body converts the beta-carotene in pumpkins, carrots and sweet potatoes to vitamins important for healthy eyesight and mucous membranes. Eating food that contains carotenoids reduces your risk for developing macular degeneration, a common eye disorder that may lead to blindness. Yellow and orange foods containing carotenoids can help reduce your risk for developing cancer and heart disease.
Pick, cantaloupe, peaches and nectarines oranges, tangerines, mangoes and apricots. And include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut and delicate squash, pumpkin, carrots, and orange peppers into your diet to get allthe fanstaic benefits of the world of orange goodness!
Working with color therapy Orange benefits include Healing properties: Orange is warm, cheering, non-constricting. Orange has a freeing action upon the body and mind, relieving repressions. Orange shows new possibilities and other options in life. Stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm, and helps assimilate new ideas.It is also helpful in dealing with excess sexual expression.
Orange stimulates the lungs, the respiration and the digestion. Increases the activity of the thyroid. Reliefs muscle cramps and spasms. Increases the amount of mother milk.
Orange is the color of the sacral chakra. The sacral chakra is located between the lower abdomen and the navel. It governs the lower back, hips, sexual organs, kidneys, stomach, liver and adrenal glands, and any imbalances in the sacral chakra are believed to cause ailments in these regions. The sacral chakra rules issues of sexuality, creativity, emotional connection, intimacy, and desire. An imbalance in the sacral chakra can lead to being out of touch with your feelings, poor boundaries, disconnection with your sense of pleasure, and excessive resistance to change. A well-balanced sacral chakra produces feeling of emotional fulfillment, as well as a healthy sex drive, open creative expression, passion for life, and a full enjoyment of the pleasures of life.
Credits:http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/fruits-vegetables.shtml#ixzz1I0eRHPuW and Dr. Andrew Weil’s Guide to Healthy Eating (fall 2009) http://www.meditationgongs.net/tag/chakra-balancing http://www.deeptrancenow.com/colortherapy.htm Photos: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/latest/best-farmers-markets-0917 - http://www.utahagenda.com/peach-days/ http://nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html purple/yellow peppers http://www.business-opportunities.biz/2008/07/31/oranges-great-green-pr/ oranges http://edusolnepal.com/zest&page=3
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/349802-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-multiple-colored-fruits-and-vegetables/#ixzz1I0pET4qf
