We often talk about being “in the pink” as an acknowledgement that we are looking healthy and full of vitality.  So what has a flamingo got to do with us being healthy?

It is the flamingo’s diet rich in carotenoids that makes them pink.  Carotenoids are a member of the antioxidant family, which I have mentioned  before, and I am sure I will talk about them again.  Mainly because they are really important in keeping our body fit, healthy and looking fabulous. as they go around ‘disarming’ the harmful free-radicals that are produced when our body makes chemical changes.  We make free-radicals without even trying, just breathing will do it.  An unhealthy lifestyle will increase the free-radicals we make.  A daily diet rich in antioxidants will reduce our risk of developing chronic illness .

A flamingo gets its antioxidant intake from plankton and I am not for one minute suggesting that you eat a plate of plankton each day (I would love to see a Jamie Olivier recipe for this!) but why not try making sure that you eat vegetables and fruit every day and these TOP 5 foods into your weekly shopping basket:

  • Beetroot
  • Carrots
  • Red Peppers
  • Butternut Squash
  • Apricots

I love beetroot and you can even buy it already juiced www.beet-it.com from James White is yummy and there has even been research published in the American Heart Association journal indicating  that a daily glass of the pink stuff has reduced blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.

But my favourite is simply to roast it.  Take the raw beetroot, don the rubber gloves and peel it, sprinkle a little sea salt and balsamic vinegar and roast at 1800C for 45-60 minutes and you have instant colour to any plate, especially the Sunday roast.  TOP TIP:  do not wear a white t-shirt!  POINT TO NOTE: it can turn your pee pink!

To finish up on a musical note in the words of the legend that is Henry Mancini……………….Think of all the animals you’ve ever heard about – like rhinoceroses and tigers, cats and mink – There are lots of funny animals in all this world – But have you ever seen a panther that is pink? – Think!

A panther that is positively pink

Fiona Stephen is a nutritional therapist based in North London & Hertfordshire. Find out about our nutritional therapy consultations or contact Fiona Stephen Nutrition to discuss your requirements.