Full of beta-carotene and antioxidants, orange fruits and vegetables are a must-have on your grocery list. The nutrients they contain protect you from myriad diseases, including cancer and heart disease. At the same time, they’re low in fat and calories, which is ideal for weight control. Load your cart up with orange fruits and vegetables and your entire body will thank you!
1 Oranges
No list of orange fruits and vegetables would be complete without these citrus wonders. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which protects your immunity and keeps you from getting sick. Oranges are also a great source of fiber, which fills your tummy with very few calories and no fat. An orange is great for breakfast and lunch, but they also taste great in fruit salad and smoothies.
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2 Sweet Potatoes
These delicious treats aren’t just for Thanksgiving. Full of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are beneficial for many aspects of your health. At the same time, they have lots of potassium, which is important for regulating your blood pressure. Sweet potatoes also have fiber and vitamins A and C. Bake a sweet potato for dinner and top it with a bit of butter and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Or cube a sweet potato and roast it with a bit of canola oil and salt and pepper and serve it as a side dish.
3 Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is probably my favorite fruit. It’s available year round, but nothing beats a fresh, juicy slice of cantaloupe in the summer. A serving of this orange melon contains potassium and more than 100 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamins A and C. Add cantaloupe to fruit salad or just enjoy a cup of it for a snack.
4 Carrots
Carrots are inexpensive and work in so many recipes. I use raw carrots in wraps and salads and I toss them into stir-fry, vegetable soup, fried rice and meatloaf too. Carrot sticks with hummus or ranch dressing is a tasty and healthy snack. Carrots are loaded with fiber, potassium and vitamin A, but contain no fat and very few calories. What more could a girl ask for?
5 Bell Peppers
Not all bell peppers are orange, but the ones that are taste great in salads or on Panini sandwiches. They also work well for fajitas! Orange peppers contain a very high amount of vitamin C, so a serving now and then helps boost your immunity, which can prevent illnesses from the common cold to cancer. With such a great taste, you can’t really afford not to eat them!
6 Pumpkin
I’m not talking about canned pumpkin pie filling here. Fresh pumpkin has a lot to offer in the way of nutrition, including fiber, potassium and vitamin A. Use pumpkin to make bisque or add roasted cubes of it to your favorite vegetable soup recipe. It also makes a yummy and unique flavor in tacos or enchiladas. Add shredded or pureed pumpkin to pasta sauce. You won’t be able to taste it too much, but it will add a twist to your favorite recipe while also ramping up the nutrient content.
7 Mangoes
I love mangoes and when they go on sale it feels like my birthday. A juicy plate of mango is so yummy on a hot summer day. It also works great in smoothies. I like to mix it with berries. I also use mango in salsa and summer rolls. The mild, but sweet taste works well with avocado, red onion, jalapeno, mint and carrots. On top of all that, mangoes also contain potassium, vitamins A and C and iron.
Which one of these is your favorite? Do you eat it plain or in other foods? If you haven’t tried them all, you have something to add to your grocery list.
