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Why red food is red hot

Why red?
The colour red is usually associated with power, strength and energy, so if it’s improved health you’re after, the power punch of red fruits and vegetables is what you should be seeking out. Choose from the deepest pinks of guavas and ruby grapefruit to the rich burgundy of succulent plums.

Awesome antioxidants

As cells in our bodies use oxygen to function, they produce by-products called free radicals that can cause cell damage. An imbalance of free radicals can occur when we are ill, don’t follow a balanced diet, smoke or are exposed to ultraviolet radiation the sun.

Antioxidants literally mop up free radicals and therefore help prevent and repair damage done by free radicals. Antioxidants also enhance our immune defences, assisting in lowering the risk of cancer and infection.

Did you know?

Although watermelons are ninety two percent water, a quarter of a cup provides a quarter of our daily requirement of vitamin C, plus vitamin A and potassium.
They also contain amino acid, citrulline that has diuretic properties, which is especially good for water retention.
Watermelons contain sixty percent more of the antioxidant lycopene than raw tomatoes.

Good ideas

  • Incorporate red fruits and vegetables into your diet with fresh fruit salad, fruit and vegetable kebabs, stir-fries, vegetable juice, roast vegetables with herbs, fruit smoothies as well as on your breakfast cereal.
  • Make a salad with tomato wedges, crumbled feta and crispy cooked bacon on a bed of spinach.
  • Sliced tomatoes on toast are a great start to the day. Or try them on crackers.
  • For a delicious salsa, finely dice red onions and mix with finely diced tomato.
  • Serve tomato-based pasta sauces for dinner on a regular basis.