You are what you eat – so what are you?
All of our patients, from Palm Beach to Mona Vale, Collaroy to Brookvale have heard the old adage of “you are what you eat.” Recently at a health talk in Manly – we heard that what we put into our bodies is exactly what we expect to get out of them, this led our Chiropractors at Complete Chiropractic Dee Why to wonder … what’s actually good for us?
When it comes to eating – fresh is best, but by eating across the rainbow of colours we can help to balance and maintain a healthy diet. On the northern beaches of Sydney, especially – we are lucky to find fresh food in abundance. The less processed and fresher the food we can put in to our bodies, the better.
The “colour of white fruits and vegetables comes from pigments known as anthoxanthins, they contain chemicals such as allicin which has great health benefits and may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and support healthy immune function. Ensure that you take sufficient servings of white foods throughout your day – as they boost the body’s natural potassium levels which also helps to support nerve and muscle function. Just don’t be mistaken – while the best of Dee Why’s fish and chips might be white on the inside – too much may not be the best for you!
An apple a day may keep the doctor away however, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain a much higher level of antioxidants, carotenoids and other essential vitamins. Continued and plentiful servings of orange and yellow produce can help improve eyesight, boost immunity; are great for skin, and are essential for growth and development for the ever-budding Long Reef surfer!
Green leafy veggies and bright green fruit contain powerful phytochemicals such as indoles. Recently around the shops of Dee Why, we have seen a green uprising, with many people switching to green smoothies and supplement blends however, the benefit of increasing green produce is not limited only to their ingredients but also their high levels of fibre. Green produce is high in essential vitamins, which support cell health, help to reduce cancer risk, maintain healthy liver function and increase immunity.
Red fruits and vegetables are the powerhouse of essential phyto-nutrients and antioxidants such as lycopene which can assist in stimulating communication between cells and decreasing abnormal cell growth. Sufficient servings of reds support heart health and cardiovascular function so the next time you are at the Brookvale fruit and vegetable store – remember your chiropractor told you to grab another apple or capsicum!
Blue and purple fruits and vegetables as we all now know contain health enhancing flavonoids, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Ensuring a sufficient serving of these items supports health, reduces inflammation, encourages digestion, boosts levels of vitamin C and fibre and provides an excellent source of antioxidants.
If you are looking for more information or just want to speak to one of our great chiropractors about your general health our team of gentle chiropractors in Sydney are here to help.
Complete Chiropractic Dee Why
Suite 1, 32 Fisher Road, Dee Why, NSW 2099
Ph: (02) 9972 0040
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Skerrett, P. J., & Willett, W. C. (2010). Essentials of healthy eating: a guide. Journal of midwifery & women’s health, 55(6), 492–501. doi:10.1016/j.jmwh.2010.06.019
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