All of us remember being told by our parents “Eat your Vegetables. They’re good for you”. Fruits and vegetables are good for our Budgies too. Each color group has its own nutritional benefits, healing properties, and preventative characteristics. With more variety, we can come closer to naturally meeting our bird’s nutritional needs. Don’t forget, when you feed fresh fruits and vegetables, they must be removed within several hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Here is a breakdown of some of our color options and their benefits.
Purple, Blue, and Black Foods
Purple foods contain antioxidants. These foods also help the avian immune system defend itself against harmful carcinogens in food, air, and water. Overall, the dark foods have a positive effect on the respiratory system, circulation, and emotional health. Purple foods are sources of Bioflavonoids, Phenols, Proanthocyanidins, Vitamin C ,Folic Acid, Fiber, Potassium, and Anthovyanin.
Examples of purple, blue and black foods: Blueberries, Blackberries, Black Raspberries, Black Cherries, Dark Grapes, Beets, Elderberries, Purple Cabbage, Prunes, Purple & Black Plums.
Specifics:
• Beets protect against cancer. • Prunes lower cholesterol. • Blueberries preserve vision and protect eyes. The Anthocyanin in blueberries has antioxidant properties and protects against cancer. • Purple grapes promote heart health. • Black cherries relieve gout.
Green Foods
The darker green they are, the more nutritious they are. Green foods help control blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against cancer, and help prevent loss of vision.
Green foods are sources of Calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Chlorophyll, Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Selenium, Carotenoids, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, and Zinc.
Examples of green foods: Kale, Turnip, Wheat Grass, Collards, Beet Tops, Barley Grass, Dandelion, Spinach, Parsley, Mustard, Broccoli, Water Cress, Alfafa, Chard, Fennel, Peas, Beans, Okra, and Romaine.
Specifics:
• The leafy greens are probably the richest in nutrients of any vegetables. • Spinach, collards, kale, and broccoli protect the eyes by keeping the retinas strong. • Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, reduce the risk of malignant tumors. Cauliflower, though not green, is also a crucifer. • The green grasses, like wheat grass, barley grass, and alfalfa are very high in phytonutrients.
Yellow Foods
Yellow foods have many of the same benefits as orange foods and are great sources of Lycopene, Carotenes ,Vitamin C, Manganese, Fiber, and Boron.
Examples of yellow foods: Corn, Summer Squash, Yellow Bell Peppers, Pineapple, Yellow Plums, and Apricots.
Specifics:
• Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, and even though budgies can make their own Vitamin C, more is better in times of stress. Pineapple also contains the natural enzyme bromelian, which aids in digestion. • Apricots prevent heart disease • Corn lowers cholesterol • Pears improve memory and alertness
Orange Foods
In general, Beta-Carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, which is important to bird health. Orange foods enhance the immune system and keep the eyes bright and shiny. Orange foods are good sources of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Folate.
Examples of orange foods: Sweet Potatoes, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Pumpkin, Winter Squash, Mango, Orange, Papaya, Persimmons, Peaches, Orange Bell Pepper, and Nectarines.
Specifics:
• Carrots improve vision. • Sweet Potatoes prevent heart disease and cancer. • Pumpkin boosts the immune system. • Cantaloupe prevents cataracts.
Red Foods
Red foods influence circulation, digestion, and vitality. Red foods are excellent sources of Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A ,Vitamin B1 B3 B6, Vitamin G4, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Folate, Melatonin, Vitamin K, Lycopene, Carotenes, and Capsaicin.
Examples of red foods: Pomegranates, Cranberries, Red Bell Peppers, Strawberries, Red Grapes, Red Chilies, Cayenne Peppers, Watermelon, Pink Grapefruit, Red Raspberries, Guava, Red Plums, and Tomatoes.
Specifics:
• Berries prevent cataracts. • Chili peppers relieve congestion. • Cranberries prevent and cure urinary tract infections. • The Lycopene in tomatoes protects against heart disease and cancer.
White Foods
Overall, white foods are thought to have a direct effect on the kidneys, and a positive influence on elimination. However, only small amounts of onion should be fed to birds. White foods can be good sources of Alium, Fiber, Pectin, Isothiocyanates, Rutin, and Quercetin.
Examples of white foods: Apples, Pears, Radishes, Cauliflower, Garlic, Onions, Leeks, and Coconut.
Specifics:
• Radishes clear sinus congestion. • Cauliflower counteracts pesticide damage. • Pears lower cholesterol. • Garlic kills bacteria and fungi.
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