Eat the Rainbow for Good Health:

The natural phytochemicals found in colorful fruits and vegetables offer a wide variety of health benefits. Not only do these phytochemicals provide distinct flavors and aromas, but they also promote wellness! To maximize the health benefits you get while eating these, it’s important to consume a diverse assortment of colors.

Here are a few ways to help you include the rainbow at your next snack or meal:

  • Add berries to your morning cereal or Greek yogurt.
  • Use purple rather than green cabbage for coleslaw.
  • Swap out a green pepper for a red, purple, or yellow bell pepper.
SOURCE: Foodrevolution.org

See what eating a rainbow of colors can do for you:

  • Red fruits and vegetables – Increase heart health, reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer, help prevent strokes, and boost brain function.

  • Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables – Lower the risk of heart disease and inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and help build healthy skin and improve vision.

  • Green fruits and vegetables – May help prevent cancer. Typically, these foods are high in vitamin K, potassium, fiber and antioxidants.

  • White and brown fruits and vegetables – Have anti-tumor properties. They also can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, improve bone strength, and decrease risk of stomach cancer.

  • Blue and purple fruits and vegetables – Are associated with improved brain health and memory. They also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Spit Happens: The Surprising Importance of Saliva

The liquid that fills your mouth is called saliva and helps you digest food and stay healthy. Saliva, or spit, has many important roles: It helps to moisten food, which affects its flavor and makes it easier to swallow. Has proteins that help to break down food and the digestion process. Includes minerals that can strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Contains antibodies, which block germs and help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

If you feel like you don‘t have enough saliva, it‘s a condition called dry mouth. This can be caused by a decrease in how much saliva you produce or by changes in your saliva‘s makeup that can make it feel different. Dry mouth can occur briefly if you’re dehydrated, stressed, or while taking certain medications. However, if it lingers, it can have a major impact on your quality of life and overall health. If you have concerns related to saliva and your mouth, it‘s important to talk with your health care provider.

Easing Dry Mouth Symptoms:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to trigger saliva flow.
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine. They can dry out the mouth.
  • Sip water during meals to make chewing and swallowing easier.
  • Use a humidifier at night. Talk with your doctor or dentist if the problems don’t go away.

SOURCE: newsinhealth.nih.gov