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It is said that the more colour you add to your plate, the better your health will be. In that vein – and also the chatter around the release of Margot Robbie’s Barbie – let us do a deep-dive into some naturally pink foods you can include in your diet, to stay in the pink of health! Foods that are naturally pink, contain compounds called anthocyanins and betalains – flavonoids and antioxidants that help in soothing the body as well as protect against various diseases.
Purple Cabbage
This deliciously vibrant leafy vegetable is a rich source of antioxidants as well as offers protection from cellular damage. The presence of vitamin C and carotenes in the cabbage, along with the high fibre content, make it ideal to eat as stir fries, sabzis, in salads as well as add to chapati dough. The high-fibre density of purple cabbage also makes it ideal to consume for those looking to lose inches.
Beetroot
For improved blood flow, blood pressure and improved cognitive function, beetroots are the most inexpensive way to include nutritious ingredients in your diet. Consuming raw beetroot juice everyday or adding boiled beetroots to your salads, sabzis or dal, makes the dish a rich source of vitamins, minerals and folates. Beets also contain antioxidants that are known to have anti-cancerous properties.
Pomelo
Looking to lose weight? Eat half a section of pomelo for breakfast or including it in salads, is a great way to begin. Rich in powerful antioxidants and vitamin C, the pink fruit possesses anti-aging properties as well as helps in aiding digestion. Pomelos are also an excellent source of potassium, along with aiding in keeping bacterial and fungal infections at bay.
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Pomegranate
The lighter pink satin kernels of pomegranates are juicy and sweet, these fruits contain thrice the amount of nutrients compared to a cup of green tea or glass of red wine. Effective in controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels, pomegranates are known to be good for those suffering from bowel-related issues. Pomegranates also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and keep urinary infections at bay.
Dragon Fruit
This exotic-looking tropical fruit with a crunchy texture and mild sweetness, is a go-to for your smoothie bowls or milkshakes. The fruit, which is meant to be eaten with the tiny black seeds that spot its flesh, reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and cancer. Eating dragon fruit also is a good way to boost immunity and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.
Lychee
This thorny summer fruit with a pulpy white flesh is rich in minerals like copper, magnesium, iron and phosphorous – all of which are crucial to maintaining bone health. The antioxidant plant compounds like epicatechin and rutin, help in protecting against cataract, diabetes, oxidative stress and heart diseases. Lychees are also high in water content, which makes them a great option to hydrate the body and ease the discomfort of dehydration.
Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Apart from being beautiful to look at and packed with nutrients, oyster mushrooms are a good plant-based, ‘meaty’ replacement in dishes like stir fries, finger foods as well as to add to sauces and stews. One of the key benefits of eating oyster mushrooms is that it is a solid immunity-booster for the body along with being the ideal choice to obtain 8% of your daily intake of amino acids.
