Nutritionists say, the more colorful the food on our plate is, the more nutrients our bodies get.
However, results from Amway Corporation’s Global Phytonutrient Report reveal that only one in four men and women meet the minimum recommendation of five servings (400 grams) of fruit and vegetables per day.
“Fruit and vegetables contain phytonutrients or phytochemicals that give plants their vibrant color and provide them protection. When consumed, they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and help enhance immunity,” explains Leni Olmedo, country manager of Amway Philippines.
When anyone’s best defense against a highly contagious virus is a healthy body, the limited intake of important phytonutrients prevents people from achieving an optimal and healthy lifestyle.
“Amidst a health crisis, it is ideal to have at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization, and all five phytonutrient colors on your plate,” says Olmedo.
The Global Phytonutrient Report summarizes the total fruit and vegetable intake in servings per day and the primary types of plants available in various global regions. Inferences about phytonutrient intake are made by Nutrilite, Amway’s plant-based health supplement brand.
The five colors and their roles, as enumerated by the Nutrilite study, are Green for cell and vision health; Red for prostate and heart health; White to support healthy circulatory system and bones; Orange for eye health, immune system function, and healthy growth and development; and Purple or Blue for antioxidant protection that’s good for the heart.
Further analysis by the supplement brand also suggests that consumers may not be meeting the standard due to eating habits that are driven by factors such as cost, seasonal and geographical availability of plants, and accessibility. Locally, recent data from the National Nutrition Council show that 69 percent of Filipino households do not meet the daily nutritional and energy requirement for productivity.
Olmedo believes that we can maximize benefits from plants by increasing intake and ensuring consumption of all colors. She gives examples that are widely available in the country: pechay and sitaw for green; tomatoes and watermelons for red; garlic, mushrooms, and onions for white; carrots and pineapples for orange; and grapes and eggplants for purple.
Phytonutrients have been the cornerstone of Nutrilite products for over 80 years. “The fruits and vegetables in our supplements are studied intensively and harvested from Amway-owned certified organic farms,” shares Olmedo. “This ensures peak concentrations of phytonutrients in and the safety and effectiveness of our products.”