Nature’s Superpowers – What the 5 Colors of Food Mean
Red, green, white, purple, or orange: did you know that the colors of fruits and vegetables tell you about their health benefits? Learn the colors and what they mean and take advantage of these natural superpowers.
Good to know:
A study in the International Journal of Epidemiology from 2017 showed that the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by 28% the more fruit and vegetables you eat every day.(1)
Make sure you eat these 5 colors & foods
Red foods
Red beets are a source of nitrates, which the body changes into nitric oxide. This helps with blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
Red apples with the peel contain the anti-inflammatory antioxidant quercetin. This strengthens the immune system.
Cherries contain the secondary metabolites anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective.
Pomegranates can prevent the formation of cholesterol buildup in arteries when eaten regularly.
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and also fight inflammation.
Watermelons are a rich source of the amino acid citrulline. This protects the cardiovascular system and stimulates the cellular metabolism.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Green foods
Spinach contains glycoglycerolipids, which protect the mucosa of the digestive tract from damage.
Arugula is packed with vitamin K, calcium, and folic acid. These micronutrients are especially important for bone health.
Avocados are anti-inflammatory. They also regulate blood pressure and bone metabolism.
Broccoli contains calcium and vitamin K. Both are important for healthy bones and teeth. It is also loaded with vitamin C – great for the immune system.
Kale has more than 45 flavonoids. These reduce inflammation, protect the immune system, and strengthen the body’s natural detox system.
Orange & yellow foods
Carrots cover more than 200% of your daily requirement of vitamin A, an important nutrient to protect and improve your vision.
Pineapple is packed with vitamin C as well as B6, which supports brain function. It also contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps with digestion.
Lemons contain potassium. This strengthens mental clarity and stabilizes blood pressure. It also regulates the balance of fluid in the body.
Mangos are a great source of vitamin C: one mango contains around 75% of the recommended daily allowance.
Orange peels contain the flavonoid hesperidin, which reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and also has anti-inflammatory qualities.
Sweet potatoes contain phytochemicals, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Bell pepper: one cup of yellow pepper provides more than 150% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Purple & blue foods
Blueberries are good for your heart. The anthocyanins in them help improve brain power.
Eggplant peel contains the anthocyanin nasunin: this powerful free radical scavenger protects the brain cell membrane from damage.
Figs and prunes are rich in antioxidants.
White foods
Cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C. It strengthens the body’s natural detox process, thus boosting the immune system.
Garlic contains allicin, which acts like an antibiotic.
Mushrooms are rich in vitamin B, copper, and selenium – a guaranteed energy boost!
Daikon and garden radishes contain sulforaphane, which is used to target tumor cells.
Conclusion
Improve your health by eating a balanced diet. Make sure you eat the foods mentioned above regularly. As a guideline, include at least 3 different fruits and vegetables in each meal.
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