Did you know that bell pepper is considered a fruit? Botanically speaking, fruits are developed from the flower of a plant and have seeds, while vegetables are other parts of the plant. Learning more about the foods that you eat throughout June is a great way to celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month.  …

Did you know that February is National Cherry Month? This doesn’t seem to make much sense since cherries are typically in season from May to August. Although, with the availability of out-of-season fruits and vegetables increasingly more available any time of year, you are sure to find cherries somewhere in the middle of winter. Of…

December 1st was “Eat a red apple day.” We have all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what is it that really makes apples such a health booster? Red apples are a great source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.  Like most fruits, it is fat-free and low in…

Dark chocolate has earned its place in the category of healthy foods and rightfully so. Cacao is rich in plant derived flavanols.  Flavanols are classified as a type of phytochemical. Phytochemicals are popping up in the news more and more because of their proven anti-oxidant power, and other health promoting properties. The only way to…

Phytochemical Function Food Source Isoflavones Blocks estrogen from entering cells, possibly lowering the risk of ovarian and breast cancer; protects against heart disease by reducing blood clotting and cholesterol levels Soy foods Lycopene Powerful antioxidant; linked to reduced prostate cancer risk Red pigment in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, raspberries, strawberries, guava Saponins Interferes with DNA…