Natural wonders
Plant foods are packed with phytochemicals, biologically active plant chemicals that are vital to your health. Thousands of phytochemicals have been identified, and many act as antioxidants, reducing the activity of free radicals, harmful compounds produced by the body that damage DNA and body tissues and lead to chronic disease. Plant foods are also good sources of potassium; vitamins A, C and E; folate; and fibre.
Cancer-fighting carotenoids
Carotenoids are a group of pigments found in plants, and all offer potent protection against a variety of cancers.
• Lycopene is responsible for the red colour in tomatoes, watermelon and red grapefruit.
• Lutein makes broccoli and spinach green.
• Beta-caroten is the most abundant carotenoid and is found in dark green and bright yellow or orange vegetables, and red and orange fruits, including cantaloupes, mangoes, apricots and papayas. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body.
Check out the next slides for you plant power shopping list.
