An article of "Tapping on Nature's Rainbow for Health"

Do you know we actually need 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal phytonutrient intake? Though it is merely the minimum requirement. For adequate and complete nutrition, variety is also essential. This is where the power of colour is most evident - by Elson M. Haas, MD.

Colour in food comes from pigments which are generally grouped into 7 different colours - green, yellow, orange, red, blue, purple and white. Pigments are important because they contain phytonutrients which contain high levels of antioxidants. Those in;

Red
Some Phytonutrients: Lycopene, anthocyanidin, ellagic acid
Benefits: Protect heart, reduce risk of cancer, improve blood flow and strengthen eye functions
Sources: Strawberry, raspberry, lingonberry, beetroot, tomato

Orange
Some phytonutrients: Beta-carotene, bio-flavonoid, caroteniods
Benefits: Beneficial to eyes, skin, vascular health & immunity, may reduce liver cancer risk
Sources: Carrot, spinach, kale, papaya

Green
Some phytonutrients: Chlorophyll, lutein
Benefits: Maintain healthy cardiovascular functions, help reduce atherosclerosis, purify blood
Sources: Barley grass, wheat grass, broccoli, green leafy vegetables

Blue
Some phytonutrients: Anthocyanidins, ellagic acid, flavonols
Benefits: Help reduce risk of cancer, protect against harmful effects of UV rays
Sources: Blueberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, grape, strawberry

Purple
Some phytonutrients: Anthocyanidins, resveratrol, ellagic acid
Benefits: Help prevent heart disease & DNA damage, slows down ageing process
Sources: Blueberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, grape, strawberry, eggplant

Yellow
Some phytonutrients: Liminoids, curcumin, caroteniods, zeaxanthin, xantophyll
Benefits: For healthy vision, protect skin from UV damage, may reduce breast, lung and prostate cancer
Sources: Carrot, corn, kale

White
Some phytonutrients: Allicin, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates
Benefits: Regulate immune response, prevent cell inflammation and vital infections, boosts the immune system
Sources: Broccoli, kale, garlic, onions

Taking food high in phytonutrients and antioxidants can help to ward off illnesses, prevent most chronic diseases and premature ageing. Phytonutrients are actually Mother Nature's medicine - they are the plant's defence mechanism against pests, bacteria, ultraviolet radiation, free radicals and countless diseases. Evidence indicates that phytonutrients help repair and rebuild damaged cells, inhibit cancer-producing substances and boost immunity by mobilising the body's immune cells.

Thus, the best way to take advantage of nature's "medicine" is by consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables across all 7 colour groups. Eating your way to health is as easy as having a rainbow-inspired menu that is chock-full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. With FITORAC (a product by Elken), you can enjoy 4,000 ORAC units, one of the highest antioxidant content in the market, derived from 21 natural and organic fruits and vegetables across all 7 food colour groups.

Just 1 spoonful a day in a glass of water or juice, you'll be charged up and ready to go!

Fuel price hike

The PM's announcement on Wednesday evening triggered chaos across the country as motorists swamped fuel stations to fill up before the new price took effect, bringing traffic to a standstill not only in Kuala Lumpur, but my beloved Puchong area as well!!

Some shop owners who usually finishes work at 6pm have to drive back to shop & hang out for hours before they can leave due to massive jam lining right outside Petronas & Shell fuel station. The queue was so long until it lead to a massive jam to the highway, what I can say it, it causes inconveniences to all RAKYAT!! I have to stay at home till 9.30pm before I can head out for dinner with "H", but the traffic is still horrible!

The new pump price for petrol will be RM 2.70 (US$ 0.87) and RM 2.58 for diesel. Petrol previously costs RM 1.92, which was claimed among the cheapest in Asia. I wonder how much it would costs to pump Shell V-Power then?

First, it was increase of food, now it's fuel & raw materials, next it's electric and like all protestors says, "Petrol is hiked but salaries are not!".

Now that the ringgit currency sank, I wonder how would we survive in the next coming months?

Good news for Thais and Singaporeans though, as they are now allowed to buy fuel at border petrol stations after a recent ban was lifted in view of the subsidy cut.