Eating the Rainbow and Color Your Health

"Not only is a colorful plate or grocery basket wonderful to look at, there are unique benefits to each color of fresh produce. Variety is truly the spice of life, and when we enjoy a diverse array of vegetables and fruit we enjoy many benefits to our human health.

Benefits of Eating a Rainbow

The various phytonutrients contained in each plant are immune system boosting, for the plant and us when we ingest them. Many are known to help protect the body from heart disease, cancer and even many chronic ailments.

The Benefits by Color

Red vegetables and fruit contain an antioxidant called lycopene which is believed to protect your body from heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Incorporate foods like tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, red peppers, apples and watermelon to receive the benefits of lycopene.

Orange foods contain a high concentration Vitamin C and a carotenoid called beta-carotene which our bodies convert into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an important factor in vision health, hence eat your carrots to see better. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, oranges and cantaloupe are options that deliver the benefits of eating orange.

Yellow and orange have very similar benefits to each other and are also great sources of Vitamin C and phytonutrients. Plus they are cheery to look at, think corn, lemons, pineapple and various types of squash.

White vegetables contain many antioxidants that are known to prevent the growth of tumors and reduce inflammation. Onions, garlic, cauliflower and mushrooms are excellent sources, brown mushrooms count too!

Kale and spinach are better sources of calcium for the human body than dairy. Leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods we can ingest as humans. They are rich in Vitamin K which is necessary for bone and blood health. Green foods also contain a high amount of folates which boost our immune system and fight cancer-causing agents we may come into contact with. Edamame, green grapes, lettuce, chard, avocadoes and cucumbers are other great examples of green foods.

Blue foods, especially blue berries, are very important for brain health and slowing the aging process by keeping our memory sharper and our nerves healthy. Our brains are our power center, very important to feed ourselves brain food.

Purple foods have very similar benefits to the body as the red and blue ones do. They help keep our blood, heart and cells healthy while reducing our risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Purple cabbage, plums, eggplants and beets are great foods to enjoy with your diet."

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✨Takeaway: Each produce color may have special advantages of its own! The accessibility of fresh veggies might not be your best option for you, based on where you reside and your current situation. The health advantages you seek can still be found in canned or frozen fruits and vegetables!

✨Reflection: What colors of fruit/vegetables are you most drawn to?

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