Dr Kerryn Phelps, Health Editor, 'Today', Nine Network with Tracey Grimshaw
GRIMSHAW: We're often being told that certain foods are bad for us, and some can even contribute to an increased risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease. But there is a flipside with some fresh produce that can help prevent illness. To tell us more we're joined now by Today Health Editor, Dr Kerryn Phelps.
Kerryn, good morning.
PHELPS: Good morning, Tracey.
GRIMSHAW: Well, it used to be an apple a day, now it seems it's an entire market garden.
PHELPS:
PHELPS: You're here in nature's pharmacy. We've got asparagus here. Now, asparagus is high in folate, which we know prevents spina bifida in newborn babies, Vitamin C once again, Beta Carotene, potassium, helps eye sight, fights the common cold, aids in absorption of vitamins, and of course tastes pretty good, too.
GRIMSHAW: Yeah. And avocados, just finally?
PHELPS: Avocados, well I don't think there are too many people who don't love avocado. And it's high in potassium, Vitamin E, folate, Vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, fibre. It helps obviously to replace those body minerals, helps in red blood cell production.
And, of course, a lot of people think it's high in cholesterol - it's not - it's high in mono-unsaturates, which are not bad for your blood cholesterol, and therefore not bad for you health. So once again, a luxury fruit, but one that is just a wonderful addition, particularly with summer coming on. And I think fruit and vegetables are very much going to be the flavour of this summer.
GRIMSHAW: Okay, thanks Kerryn, we'll leave it there.
PHELPS: Thank you very much, Tracey.
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