New research has discovered that bioactive pigments not only provide fruits and vegetables with their unique colour, but unique health perks, too. In other words: if a person’s diet doesn’t cover the entire colour spectrum, they’re missing out on important health benefits. Brings new meaning to the term ‘eat the rainbow’, right?! In this podcast with Dr Emma Beckett, we deep dive into the evidence behind bioactive pigments to understand why quantity isn’t the only thing to consider when recommending fruits and vegetables. Using sweet and savoury culinary inspiration, Emma explores how and why nutritious melons are the perfect example of the pot of gold at the end of the fruit and vegetable rainbow.
Biography
Dr Emma Beckett is a food & nutrition scientist, passionate communicator and evidence-based change maker. She aims to use her voice, and years of education and practical experience in food, nutrition, epidemiology and biomedical science, to empower people to interpret (and better understand) nutrition information. And a little fun fact if you’ve not met Emma, rainbow is her favourite colour, as evidenced by her huge collection of food-themed outfits.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The results of an umbrella review of bioactive pigments, involving 86 studies and data from 37 million participants
- The unique health benefits of a range of bioactive pigments
- How dietitians can better communicate the ‘eat the rainbow’ mantra
- What dietitians need to know about preparing and storing melons safely
- Interesting ways to use the whole melon (think: seeds and rinds!)
Additional resources
Nutrition Research Australia Melons Hub
This podcast is not, and is not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. This podcast is for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Please see here for terms and conditions.
Supported by
Funded by Hort Innovation, using the melon research and development levy and contributions from the Australian government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.