Health Benefits of Rainbow Foods

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Eating the rainbow involves eating fruits and vegetables of different colors every day.Plants contain different pigments, which give them their color. Different-colored plants are linked to higher levels of specific nutrients and health benefits. Each color represents a different phytochemical and set of nutrients that may benefit your health. 

Red:

These foods are rich in Carotenoid lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals that seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease.

Found in: strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries, apples, beets, watermelon, red grapes, red peppers, red onions.

 

Orange & Yellow: 

These foods provide beta cryptothanxin, which supports intracellular communication and may help prevent heart disease.

Found in: carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, bananas, pineapple, tangerines, mango, pumpkin, apricots, winter squash (butternut, acorn), peaches, cantaloupe, corn

 

Green: 

These foods are rich in cancer-blocking chemicals like sulforaphane, isocyanate, and indoles, which inhibit the action of carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds).

Found in: spinach, avocados, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kiwi fruit, collard greens, green tea, green herbs (mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil).

 

Blue & Purple:

These foods have powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to delay cellular aging and help the heart by blocking the formation of blood clots.

Found in: blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, figs, prunes, lavender, purple cabbage.

 

White & Brown:

The onion family contains allicin, which has anti-tumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.

Found in: onions, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, parsnips, daikon radish, mushrooms.

 

While eating more vegetables and fruit is always a good idea, focusing on eating a variety of colors will increase your intake of different nutrients which will  benefit various areas of your health.

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