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The Amway Corporation’s Global Phytonutrient Report reveal that only 1 in 4 men and women meet the minimum recommendation of 5 servings (400 grams) of fruits and vegetables per day — a reality that has greater implications now more than ever. 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.
“Fruits 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, local branch of the direct selling giant. “Amidst a health crisis, it is ideal to have at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization or WHO, and all five phytonutrient colors on your plate.”
Inferences about phytonutrient intake are then 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, especially these days where people remain in their homes.
Still, Olmedo believes that we may maximize benefits from plants by increasing intake and ensuring consumption of all colors, especially as more entrepreneurs find ways to bring fresh produce from farms and markets to households. 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,” Olmedo shares. “This ensures peak concentrations of phytonutrients in and the safety and effectiveness of our products.”
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