So we know we should eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but why? Why can't we just stick to the ones we know or are used to? Different colored food contain different nutrients. Each color has a different health benefit and to gain all the health benefits, we must eat all the colors!
Red
The color red is bright, bold and beautiful! Red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, vitamin C and quercetin. These nutrients help to reduce the risk of stoke and help to reduce inflammation. They also promote heart health and help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. To gain these benefits, eat more tomatoes, red apples, strawberries, watermelon, red bell peppers and any other red fruit or vegetable you can find!
Orange and Yellow
Orange and yellow foods contain many of the same benefits because they are so close in color. These foods contain beta carotene, alpha carotene, vitamin C and A. Eating more orange and yellow fruits and vegetables helps boost antioxidant intake and promote anti-inflammation. They also promote healthy eyes and skin and help to reduce soreness after working out! To gain these benefits, eat more yellow squash, yellow and orange bell pepper, lemons, oranges, clementine, carrots and any other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables you can find!
Green
When most people think 'healthy foods' they probably think of green vegetables, and for good reason! Green fruits and vegetables are very good for us! They contain sulforaphane, magnesium, calcium, latein, potassium, vitamin K and folate. All of these things help to regulate detox of the liver, slow macular degeneration, improve eye health and reduce the risk of certain cancers like breast cancer and colon cancer. To gain these benefits, eat more lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs, zucchini, broccoli, green bell pepper and green apples.
Blue and Purple
Blue and purple fruits and vegetables are always fun, because they add a pop of color to your dish! These foods contain vitamin C, potassium and folate. They help increase antioxidant consumption and promote anti-inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. Eating blue and purple foods also helps to support the immune system and improve skin health and prevent wrinkles! To gain these health benefits, eat more eggplant, blueberries, blackberries, plums, red cabbage and red onion!
White
Yes, we are going to go over white or colorless foods too! These foods might not be as colorful, but they still pack a punch full of health benefits! They contain vitamin C, allium, sulforaphane, and flavonoids. These things help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancers. They also support health bones, a healthy immune system and help to lower cholesterol levels! To gain these health benefits, eat more garlic, white onions, mushrooms, potatoes, cauliflower, and white carrots!
Eating the rainbow allows us to gain all the health benefits of each color! Maybe you haven't tried a lot of different types of fruits and vegetables, but expanding your palate will not only expand your culinary horizons, but its good for your health too! Set a goal to try one new fruit or vegetable in a different color each week! You'll find new favorites and discover so many new flavors!
I hope this blog post is helpful to you as you journey to become a healthier version of yourself! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and family to help them live healthier too!
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Stay Healthy, Happy and Laughing!
H. Banana
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