Women should eat more bright-colored fruits and vegetables – Study

Apparently, women are at higher risk of illnesses that are debilitating than men but they can reduce the risk by eating more bright-colored fruits and vegetables, as suggested by a new study.

The study done by University of Georgia recommends that women should eat fruits and vegetables that are high in pigmented carotenoids like yams, kale, spinach, watermelon, bell peppers, tomatoes, oranges and carrots. These bright-colored fruits and vegetables are particularly helpful in preventing visual and cognitive loss, they said.

Women experience illnesses that are debilitating, such as macular degeneration and dementia, at much higher rates than men. They account for two-thirds of the total macular degeneration and dementia cases in the world, according to experts. They also account for nearly 80 per cent of all the autoimmune diseases taken together and that is why they need to eat a lot better than men.

Why women are prone to degenerative problems

According to science, compared to men, women have more body fat, which serves as a reservoir for many dietary vitamins and minerals, which are useful during pregnancy. However, it leads to deficiency of these nutrients for the retina and the brain, making women susceptible to degenerative problems.

Eating more bright-colored fruits

Diet high in pigmented carotenoids acts as antioxidants in the body, said the researchers. Specially two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in specific tissues of the eye and brain, are known to reduce central nervous system degeneration.

Hammond said that the requirements of these carotenoids are much higher for women.

You can also get carotenoids via supplements, but Hammond said getting them through food is better.

Women should eat more bright-colored fruits and vegetables – Study

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