February is American Heart Month and to celebrate that (and Valentine’s Day) we are focusing on the many health benefits of red food.
Red fruits offer many health benefits because they have some of the following nutrients; lycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin, hesperidin, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Don’t forget you can even get plenty of these nutrients in processed tomato products as well, salsa, spaghetti sauce and ketchup. Just be sure to buy cleaen sources, and if possible, organic.
Lycopene – is what causes the color in all red fruits
· UV protection – (1 c everyday helps reduce sun damage by 35% found in tomatoes)
· Heart health
· Lowers prostate cancer risk
· Bone and skin health
· Protects against infertility
· Reduce the risk of prostate cancer
· Protects the body from prostate, cervical and lung cancer
· Reduces tumor growth
· Protects the body from harmful free-radicals
· Protects the body against heart disease
· Lowers blood pressure
· Lowers LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol in the body
· Support joint tissue for those with arthritis
· Keeps one regular aiding in gastrointestinal health
Here are some of the “red” recipes we shared during our “Eat Red for Heart Health” cooking classes at local area hospitals this week.
Roasted Red Bell Almond Sauce / Dip