Plants produce antioxidants and other phytochemicals that keep the plants healthy and protect them from the ravages of their environment. When you eat plants, these phytochemicals can protect your health and prolong your life.

Many possible benefits have been cited for phytochemicals, but research is in its infancy. There’s no need to rush off to buy your phytochemicals in a bottle. Just fill up your plate with the wide spectrum of colours that fruit and vegetables offer.

Choose a Palette for your Palate. Here’s why:

Red: tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit contain lycopenes which may prevent many cancers eg prostate
Orange/ yellow: peaches, limes, pineapples contain the antioxidant vitamin C
Green: cabbage, kale, spinach, dark leafy greens contain isothiocyanase, sulforophanes, indoles which act as antioxidants and appear to fight cancers. Tip: the darker the leafy greens, the more nutrients
Blue/ purple: blueberries, grapes and blackberries contain anthocyanins which mop up free radicals and reduce cancer and heart disease risk