EAT RED

A good way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to consume more red foods.

These foods are high in carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that also protect the eyes, internal organs, and skin. The red pigment found in pink grapefruit, red peppers, tomatoes, and watermelon, LYCOPENE is the most prevalent carotenoid in the circulatory system and has been found to reduce the risk of porstate and other cancers (says nutritionist M. Zimmerman) Another red carotenoid, astaxanthin, gives omega-3-rich salmon and trout their pink color, she adds.

Red berries and grapes are high in a number of anthocyanins, while apples, berries, and grapes are excellent sources of flavonols. Both these dietary flavonoids have been linked to healthy endothelial function, and they help inhibit platelet aggregation or clumping that leads to the formation of blood clots. These antioxidant compounds also fight a number of cancers and neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Experimental research also suggests that resveratrol-found in grapes and wine-is potentially useful against heart disease and some cancers, helping to fight aging.