Tradition on St. Patrick's Day often involves going out and ingesting any and everything green. Unfortunately, this usually includes food and drink that are infused with artificial food coloring and dye. Given the news about food dyes, on this St. Patrick's Day it would be wise to avoid those green pints of Guinness.
Studies show the dangers of food additives, including the artificial food dyes that are all the rage on St. Patrick's Day. Alarmingly, a study of green #3 (Fast Green) on male rats showed a growth in bladder and testes tumors.
In addition to their potential danger, artificial food dyes add absolutely no nutritional value to anything we eat. We’re much better off eating something green that's also packed with nutrients that can benefit our overall health and well-being. There are a lot of natural ways to get our “green on” this St. Patrick's Day.
Try some of these great green alternatives!
Green Tea
There have been numerous studies about the health benefits of green tea. When paired with a good diet and regular exercise, green tea can decrease cholesterol levels, and increase overall immune function. One recent study has linked green tea to reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Spirulina
This protein rich superfood is also rich in fatty acids and easy to digest. It's also extremely nutrient-dense and is a complete protein source. It has a mild flavor and can be easily blended into smoothies or soups.
Avocados
Another great superfood, avocados are packed with carotenoids, which can help absorb more nutrients from other foods. People who eat avocados have been shown to have a 50% less chance of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes risk factors like heart disease and diabetes.
So, let’s skip the food dyes on St. Patrick's Day. There are a lot of other natural and green alternatives out there to enjoy this Sunday!
Photo Credit: Sam T.
