LiveWell Vermont

  Have you ever heard someone health-conscious say “I don’t eat anything WHITE”? If they truly don’t eat any white foods, they’re missing out on health benefits from cauliflower, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, parsnips, kohlrabi, potatoes, ginger, mushrooms, jicama, bananas, and cabbage. The phytonutrients that are white in color,  anthoxanthins , can help bolster your immune system, reduce your risk of having a stroke, promote heart health, prevent cancer, and reduce inflammation. Also called Salad Turnips, this sweet and juicy root veggie has little resemblance to its spicy, punchy, purple-topped turnip cousins that can be a bit polarizing. If you think you don't like turnips, these turnips deserve another chance! Hakurei turnips are delicious raw (hence the name "salad" turnip) but are equally as yummy braised or roasted.  To take them up a notch, try this easy recipe for  pickled hakurei turnips . They're fast, punchy, funky, and delicious!

                              Lutein and zeathanxin, found in orange peppers, corn, and even egg yolks, reduce risk for age-related macular degeneration and cognitive decline. Delicata is known as a winter squash because it stores well through the cold months when not much is growing; however, the first delicata squashes are harvested in late summer.  What's the difference between winter squash and summer squash? In short, the skin! Summer squash is harvested while the squash is immature and the skin is soft and delicious. Winter squash is harvested later in the season after the skin has thickened, increasing its storage capabilities to get us through the long winter months.  Delicata is one of a few special winter squashes that lasts through the winter, but has skin soft enough to enjoy, which makes it so much easier and quicker to prepare. No peeling or scooping required!

  Have you heard that carrots are good for your eyes? It’s true! Carotenoids are found in yellow or orange foods and have a wide variety of health benefits! Orange veggies, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash contain a type of carotenoid called beta-carotene that supports good vision, boosts cognitive performance, provides UV protection for your skin, and improves your immune system. Patty is a sweet and succulent summer squash! It is very similar in texture and flavor to the more familiar yellow crookneck squash or zucchini. Feeding a group of people with a wide range of food acceptance? Give your squash the pizza treatment! Check out this recipe for Pattypan Squash Pizzas... then take this idea and run with it!  What else can you pizza-ify? Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes? Time to get creative!

Anthocyanins are part of the flavonoids category and are found in reddish-purple foods like  blueberries, grapes, red cabbage, radishes,  and  eggplant.  Anthocyanins have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties - this means they could  help prevent  metabolic disorders, cancer, eye diseases,  and  cardiovascular diseases.

Only 9% of Americans eat the recommended servings of vegetables daily, which is a minimum of 2 ½ cups per day. Are you in the 91% of Americans who don’t meet their veggie goals every day?   Vegetables are a great source of fiber, which has a wide range of helpful health benefits.  Fiber keeps our blood sugar stable to help us feel full longer and avoid energy crashes, and that can help us reach and maintain a healthy weight. Fiber sticks to dietary cholesterol in our digestive system, which can improve our lipid numbers to support our heart health. It also acts as a broom to sweep out our digestive systems, keeping us regular-- not only does that help us feel good, it also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.

  Betalains  give beets their brilliant hue and have anti-inflammatory properties which can help  stave off dementia, improve athletic performance,  and  fight certain types of cancers.  Studies have shown that beets can help  reduce blood pressure  and  improve symptoms of osteoarthritis! Looking for something totally stunning to bring to your next picnic?  Everyone will swoon over this  bright pink hummus .

 Don't you just love a great challenge?  Learn more about how to participate in  this  walking challenge and other fun  events !

  Pride Month is a time to gather and celebrate your authentic self.  Below are some resources to support and encourage Pride: Exploring your gender identity Affirming your loved one's journey as they explore identity Events: CAPS is hosting events throughout the month to support an inclusive environment: LGBTQIA+ Identities Pronouns & Inclusive Conversations - 6/14 10am - 11:30am (Available in virtual and in-person formats)  Inclusive & Welcoming LGBTQIA+ Spaces - 6/28 1:30pm - 3pm (Available in virtual and in-person formats)  More options on their SharePoint Site! -  Options of various formats, helpful if you have scheduling constraints.

  To encourage wellbeing, we are spreading awareness and encourage early detection of preventable conditions.  Some men don't prioritize preventative care, as demonstrated in this study by the CDC , stating "The rate of doctor visits for such reasons as annual examinations and preventive services was 100 percent higher for women than for men". Below are some helpful resources: Schedule a Wellness Screening to check out your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure numbers Men's Health - 6 Tests Men Need What to know About Prostate Cancer