Our Unique Nutrition Coding System
Our unique nutrition coding system was developed to highlight specific nutrients in our Country Magic products. For those of you who want to learn more about the health benefits of the products you purchase, our Taste the Colours nutritional information system gives you insights and additional product information at a glance.
Eating a well-balanced diet with different coloured fruits and vegetables is a great start to a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruit may help reduce the risk of some types of predominate health issues. Eating lots of vegetables and fruits regularly provide the nutrients for day to day living and also lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases.
It is widely accepted that a well-balanced diet should include fruits and vegetables from the following colour segments:
Blue/Purple Green White Yellow/Orange Red
The fruits and vegetables from each colour segment have different minerals, vitamins and micro-nutrients that our bodies need to maintain good health and an active lifestyle. Eating a variety of fruit and vegetable is essential to a healthy diet.
BLUE/PURPLE
Fruits and vegetables that are blue or purple are rich in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, which have antioxidant activity and offer great health benefits. Research has shown that anthocyanins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help with memory function, and may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Country Magic blueberries and blackberries are great examples of blue/purple fruits and vegetables.
GREEN
Green fruits and vegetables contain a multitude of phytochemicals, most notably, lutein. Lutein plays a critical role in preventing macular degeneration, the #1 cause of blindness as we age. Leafy greens also contain important antioxidants (glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid), which act to detoxify the body, maintain a healthy liver, boost immunity and reduce chronic inflammation. These micronutrients may also help reduce the risk of some cancers, guard against strokes and heart attacks. Look for our Country Magic lettuce, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, beet greens and green beans which are all examples of green vegetables to include in your diet.
WHITE
White fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals such as quercetin which is found in onions. Micronutrients such as quercetin act as antioxidants to help maintain a healthy heart, maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. Potatoes are often considered “just a starch”, however they actually offer a wide array of nutritional benefits such as the micronutrient glutathione, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as sources of vitamin C, potassium and high levels of vitamin B6 and fibre.
YELLOW/ORANGE
Yellow and orange fruit and vegetables conatin a family of micronutrients called the carotenoids. Orange-pigmented produce is most famous for its high levels of vitamin A, which is made in the body after consumption of the carotenoids, namely beta carotene. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and also helps maintain the immune system, skin and internal organ linings. Orange-yellow produce also contains the pigments lutein and lycopene. The benefits of orange or yellow fruits and vegetables include maintaining a healthy heart, lowering cholesterol, maintaining healthy vision and reducing the risk of some types of cancer. Country Magic squash and carrots are examples of orange or yellow vegetables that contain these health benefits.
RED
Red fruits and vegetables are known for their lycopene and anthocyanins. These phytochemicals are important antioxidants that help maintain memory functions, keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. Country Magic strawberries, grape tomatoes, beets and red onions are great red fruits and vegetables to include in your diet.
Did you know?
Half Your Plate
Statistics Canada reported that in 2011 only 40.4% of Canadians aged 12 and older consumed fruit and vegetables five or more times per day.Our unique nutrition coding system can help you eat a well-balanced diet with different coloured fruits and vegetables.
