Eating The Rainbow, A Nutritious And Delicious Way To Go

When you sit down to eat a meal, is it colorful? If it is not, you may be lacking some important nutrients. It turns out that eating a variety of naturally colorful foods is ideal. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) reports that research indicates that foods rich in color and flavor have more phytochemicals, or plant compounds, which are believed to aid in disease prevention and maintenance of a healthy body.

"When you sit down to eat, you don't usually think a lot about the colors on your plate," says John Kuropatwa, executive chef of Spigola Ristorante, located in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. "Yet they are a big part of what makes the dish nutritious and appealing to the eye. It adds to the healthfulness of a meal, and it is also great for presentation."

The ADA recommends eating an array of foods of many different colors, such as following those of the rainbow. Colorful meals usually appeal more to the senses and are visually inviting, which can create a more pleasurable dining experience.

Focus on trying to integrate many colors into the dishes you prepare each day, trying to plan for a variety of color. Including the various colors is important, as each brings its own bevy of nutrition to the table. To eat the rainbow each day, or foods that help to create the image of one, keep these colors and foods in mind:
� Red foods are high in the antioxidant lycopene, which helps protect from some cancers, and helps prevent sun damage. Red foods include tomatoes, cherries, red bell pepper, watermelon, strawberries, pomegranates, and red potatoes.
� Orange foods are high in vitamin C, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and help prevent cancer. Good sources of orange foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cantaloupe, oranges, and orange bell pepper.
� Yellow foods are high in caratenoids, which help to decrease inflammation in the joints, as well as prevent cancer and aid in good vision. Sources include yellow bell pepper, corn, pineapple, yellow squash, and apricots.
� Green foods offer an abundance of vitamins and antioxidants. Options include avocado, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, zucchini, romaine lettuce, green peas, and green grapes.
� Blue and purple foods are high in antioxidants and are good for memory and cardiovascular health. Ideal selections include eggplant, blueberries, prunes, plums, beets, and blackberries.
� White foods can help prevent cancer and heart disease, and include such options as onions, mushrooms, garlic, and cauliflower.
These foods can easily be added into your daily meals as side dishes, chopped and added to sauces, casseroles, stir fry, and soups, or even used in preparing baked goods, such as pumpkin spice muffins.

"Once you start noticing the different colors of food, it is easy to integrate more of them into your diet each day," adds Kuropatwa. "After a while, it will become like second nature. And, all the while, your body will be reaping the nutritious benefits."

About Spigola Ristorante
Spigola is a modern Italian restaurant based in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. The restaurant features a full menu of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list and bar. The establishment also offers weekly live entertainment, events, specials, and daily happy hour, as well as catering services and private party facilities. To learn more about Spigola, visit the Web site at http://www.spigola.net.

# # #
Sources:
American Dietetic Association. For Good Taste and Health, Follow the Rainbow. Feb 2005.


Contact: 

Cher Murphy
Cher Murphy PR
CherMurphyPR@Gmail.com
571.263.2128