Nothing happens by accident. I am certain some foods grow intensely coloured to attract our attention. …. the vegetable equivalent to a class of primary school children standing and waving their arms around going ‘Pick me ….” “Pick me “. !!!!
Goshiki 五色 means “Five Colors“. This comes from the Buddhist philosophy about stimulating all five senses. Therefore each meal should have at LEAST five colours. white – fish, rice or chicken; yellow – scrambled eggs, squash; red or orange – carrots or sweet potato; green – any green vegetable you want ; and black – grapes, aubergine, seaweed. The plate presented is meant to please the EYES and the palate and in the process hit the main categories of ingredients to make a balanced meal.
To bypass dietary boredom of eating the same food over and over again and in order to “eat a rainbow” I am looking to inform myself.
RED – High in cancer fighting Lycopenes are carotenoids known for antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects. Tomatoes, guava, apricots and watermelon are well known for their lycopene content. The bioavailabity of lycopene is highest in cooked and pureed tomatoes, and this is a common dietary recommendation given to men with prostate conditions. Anthrocyanins are flavonoids that are known for the pigment found in foods such as berries, pomegranates, red onions and kidney beans. These pigments boost overall health and exert antioxidant effects throughout the entire body.
ORANGE/YELLOW – Carotenoids which boost the immune system and reduce heart disease risk. Beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, has strong antiviral properties and increases immune function by increasing the number of T lymphocytes. Yellow is a unique color that represents joy and happiness that perhaps may be related to the way these fruits and vegetables taste. Lemons, bananas, golden delicious apples, yellow peppers, corn, pineapples and squash are excellent for reducing inflammation, stimulating wound healing and contain properties that strengthen teeth and bones. Yellow as a colour, is also associated with intellect.
BLUE – Antioxidant powerhouses, so throw in some blueberries, blackberries, or plums into a breakfast. This color group is specifically known for its lutein, zeaxanthin, quercetin and resveratrol components. Zeaxanthin has been studied for its effects on vision and how it helps prevent age-related macular degeneration. Quercetin, another type of flavonoid, not only is anti-inflammatory, it also has some blood-pressure-lowering effects.
WHITE – (leeks, shallots, garlic, onions, celery, pears, white wine, endive, chives) The onion family contains allicin, which has anti-tumour properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol. Overall, great sources of potassium and reduce cancer risk.
GREEN – Cruciferous vegetables are rich sources of sulphur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. Their taste is often described as pungent, bitter or spicy. These types of vegetables include kale, bok choy, spinach, arugula and broccoli, and are especially important in helping detoxify your body. These types of vegetables contain sulphoraphane, which inhibits tumour growth and is a systemic anti-inflammatory. Greens also contain the phytochemicals lutein and indoles. Lutein, part of the carotenoid family, is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for vision. Indole has been known for its powerful anti-carcinogenic effects. Look for foods such as avocados, artichokes, green cabbage, celery, lettuce and peas. Common garden herbs such as thyme, basil, sage and mint are also full of phytochemicals. These herbs not only add flavor and freshen the taste of our meal, they can be used as a substitute for salt, sugar and fat in any meal.
The lesson for me is about MINDFUL eating. Being aware that we are what we eat. Garbage in – garbage out!!!! Why would I not provide what my body needs to do it’s job? It is after all the house of my spirit, and he only one I have – at that!!
Filed under: think outside the box, You are what you eat Tagged: awareness, care, choice, food, health, Learning, lessons, living in moment, mindfulness, Motivation, nourishment, planning, thoughts, what really matters, why
