Beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene ... These natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables have no equal in boosting our health. Blue, red or green, where to find them and for what effects?
• What is a pigment?
- This is what gives a fruit or vegetable its color. And protects us from oxidative stress which promotes premature aging of cells, inflammatory diseases, cancers ... Because pigments are all antioxidants.
- There are 5 color categories of plants (yellow / red / green / blue / brown) divided into two main classes of antioxidant pigments each having health properties:
Carotenoids: a class which mainly includes beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin.
Polyphenols: (phenolic compounds: approximately 4000), a class which includes in particular flavonoids (anthocyanin, quercetin, catechin, etc.); non-flavonoids (ellagic acid, resveratrol from grapes and red wine, curcuminoids from turmeric, etc.) ...
- To take care of our health, it suffices to color our plate. And to invite all the tones to treat yourself to a delicious palette of benefits!
• In the family of yellow / orange pigments, I ask ...
What plants? Main pigments? Effects on our health?
Carrot. Yellow squash. Yam. Pumpkin. Yellow pepper. Rutabaga. Orange. Mandarin. Melon. Mango. Apricot. Pineapple. Nectarine. Peach. Papaya. Lemon
Flavonoids, which protect plants from bacteria, viruses, molds
Beta-carotene, a precursor of Vit A, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that the body cannot manufacture.
Protection against premature aging of the eyes, skin, cognitive functions.
Cardio-vascular prevention and cancers, especially stomach, esophagus, mouth
• In the family of red pigments, I ask ...
What plants? Main pigments? Effects on our health?
Beet. Red cabbage. Red bell pepper. Tomato. Radish. Rhubarb. Grenade. Cranberry. Cherry. Watermelon. Raspberry. Guava. Red Apple. Red grape
Lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants, naturally concentrated in certain organs, especially the prostate
Anthocyanin, a flavonoid that inhibits oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms.
Prevention of cancers including prostate, but also breast, kidneys, skin.
Reduction of cardiovascular and cognitive risks, diabetes, osteoporosis, allergy.
• In the family of green pigments, I ask ...
What plants? Main pigments? Effects on our health?
Spinach. Broccoli. Green cabbage. Brussels sprouts. Green pepper. Green bean. Courgette. Peas. Artichoke. Asparagus. Cucumber. Lawyer. Lime. Green grape. Green apple. Gooseberry. Kiwi.
Carotenoids and especially lutein, a pigment naturally very present in the retina.
Chlorophyll, the blood of plants, a separate pigment, loaded with magnesium, a source of oxygen.
Eye protection and in particular against AMD.
Stimulation of all the functions of the body: immune defenses, tone, digestion, healing process ...; anti-diabetes, obesity
• In the family of blue / purple pigments, I ask ...
What plants? Main pigments? Effects on our health?
Eggplants. Purple asparagus. Purple endive.
Black Grappe. Blueberries. Blackberries. Fig. Cassis. Elderberry. Prune.
Polyphenols, several types of antioxidants with many properties. And in particular anthocyanin (see red pigments)
Global anti-aging protection: cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, bone, cognitive, skin health ...
• In the family of white / brown pigments, I ask ...
What plants? What pigments? What health effects?
Turnip. Cauliflower. Celeriac. Mushroom. Leek. Parsnip. Garlic. Onion. Ginger. Litchi. White peach.
Polyphenols (see blue purple pigments)
Sulfur compounds, activating the detoxification of the body, stimulating the immune defenses.
Primary and secondary prevention against cancer. Antibacterial protection,
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