Plant Pigments Photosynthetic Pigments Protective Pigments Chlorophylls ( green ) Carotenoids ( yellow/orange ) Anthocyanins ( red/purple/blue ) Chlorophyll A Chlorophyll B Xanthophyll ( yellow ) Carotenes ( orange ) Fig . : Classification of pigments in vegetables and fruits ACTIVITY - Cut pictures of vegetables and fruits from magazines and stick them on paper plates and highlight the nutrients present in each fruit and vegetable - - Vegetables and Fruits potatoes, white beans, lima beans, cooked greens, carrot juice, and prune juice regulate blood pressure. Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections. Excellent fruit and vegetable sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, kale, collard greens, winter squash, cantaloupe and red peppers.
Vitamin C helps to heal cuts and wounds, keeps teeth and gums healthy. Excellent fruit and vegetable sources of vitamin C are red and green peppers, kiwi, strawberries, sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, broccoli, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, oranges and mangoes. Vegetables and fruits (with the exception of olives, avocados, and coconut) are naturally low in fat. Substituting vegetables and fruits for higher calorie foods should be a part of any weight loss program and healthy diet.
Every fruit and vegetable offers different nutrients, taste and texture. For the best overall nutrition we have to choose a variety of vegetables and fruits. . .
Tips to increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet Keep cleaned vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator so they are easy to grab as a quick snack Add vegetables to curries, stews and soups. Anthoxanthins They are colourless white to yellow pigments that give colour to cauliflower, onions, spinach or other leafy vegetables. In green leafy vegetables the colour is masked by chlorophyll. .
Medicinal benefits of vegetables and fruits Vegetables and fruits are an important component of our daily diet as man cannot live on cereals alone. Vegetables and fruits are essential for balanced diet and good health. They not only add colour and variety to the diet but also provide significant amounts of vitamins, minerals