Healthy Foods & Recipes: Orange-Colored Vegetables and Fruits (Healthy Tex-Mex Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Mango Tacos)

4 Healthy Reasons to Consume Orange-Colored Vegetables and Fruits (and Their Role in Preventing Skin Cancer)

1. Rich in Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A Precursor)
   • Orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
   • How It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer: Vitamin A promotes healthy skin cell growth and enhances DNA repair, helping protect against UV damage that can lead to skin cancer.
2. High in Antioxidants (Carotenoids and Vitamin C)
   • Citrus fruits like oranges and mangoes, and veggies like pumpkin and bell peppers, contain carotenoids and vitamin C, both of which help neutralize free radicals that cause skin aging and cancerous mutations.
   • How It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer: These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, preventing DNA damage from UV exposure that contributes to skin cancer.
3. Boosts Collagen Production and Skin Repair
   • Papayas, oranges, and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, essential for collagen synthesis—keeping skin firm and reducing the risk of sun-induced skin damage.
   • How It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer: Stronger collagen repairs sun damage faster, reducing the chance of cell mutations that could lead to cancerous growths.
4. Supports a Healthy Immune System
   • Sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and carrots contain a mix of vitamin A, C, and potassium, all of which strengthen the immune system and support skin healing.
   • How It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer: A strong immune system identifies and eliminates abnormal cells, reducing the likelihood of cancerous growths.

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Healthy Tex-Mex Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Mango Tacos

This vibrant, nutrient-rich Tex-Mex dish features sweet potatoes, mangoes, and bell peppers, all packed with skin-protecting nutrients!

🌮 Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
• Avocado slices (optional)

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame for a few seconds on each side.
5. Fill each tortilla with roasted vegetables, fresh mango, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
6. Squeeze lime juice over the top and garnish with cotija cheese and avocado slices, if using.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy these nutrient-packed, skin-protective tacos! 🌮✨

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This dish is loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a delicious way to protect your skin from the inside out while enjoying bold Tex-Mex flavors!