Why is the more color in a meal the better?
Eating a variety of foods of different colors at every meal is important to maximize nutrition.
It's a simple rule to apply to your diet: The more colorful the food on your plate, the more visually appealing it is and the more nutritious it is. Here are some of the benefits of including a variety of colors in your daily diet, according toTruelemon.com.
Red
Red fruits and vegetables often contain phytonutrients such as lycopene and anthocyanins, which may help protect against certain cancers, reduce the risk of diabetes, support eye health, and improve the appearance of skin. To increase your intake of red foods, eat things like: Tomatoes, beets, watermelon, red peppers, strawberries, raspberries...
Bright orange and yellow
Bright orange and yellow foods get their colors from alpha and beta carotene, which are converted to vitamin A in the body. This essential vitamin helps support immune function, eye health, healthy joints and bones, and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Eat more: Carrots, lemons, citrus fruits, mangoes, sweet potatoes, apricots, pumpkins...
Green
Green vegetables are full of chlorophyll, an antioxidant with a variety of health benefits. The main effect is to cleanse the body of toxins, which means reducing the risk of cancer, supporting digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption, boosting the immune system, increasing energy and repairing tissues faster. Include plenty of these foods: leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, artichokes, kiwi fruit, grapes...
Dark blue and purple
These deeply colored fruits and vegetables provide you with anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, a super antioxidant. And they’re great for boosting heart and brain function (especially memory), cell health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Eat more of these foods: strawberries, blueberries, eggplant, plums, purple cabbage, radishes, grapes, and more.
White
These often-snappy, white fruits and vegetables support bone health, help lower cholesterol and inflammation, protect against certain cancers, and balance hormones. Incorporate more white foods into your diet by eating more of: bananas, white plums, cauliflower, mushrooms, white radishes, onions, leeks, garlic, and more.
Eating a variety of colorful foods helps you have a healthier body, choosing seasonal foods to prepare maximizes their nutritional value and flavor.
