You probably know it’s important to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, but did you know that eating fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors will give you the best health benefits? Every fruit and vegetable contains unique components that are good for your health.
Red and bright pink. These fruits and vegetables help your body fight disease and reduce risk of several types of cancer. Eat these everyday for lycopene and powerful antioxidants that help control high blood pressure and protect against diabetes. Great sources include: beets, strawberries, red cabbage, raspberries, apples, tomatoes and watermelon.
Orange and yellow. Boost your immunity with this group that includes apricots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, carrots, grapefruit, lemon, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pineapples, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, tangerines and pears. Among the good components are beta-carotene, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium and vitamin C. They help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, preserve eyesight and keep skin looking youthful!
Green. The more green vegetables the better! Whether leafy such as spinach, romaine lettuce and kale or cruciferous including broccoli and Brussels sprouts, the more green you eat the healthier you will be.
Blue and purple. Eating blackberries and blueberries may help to slow memory loss due to aging. Other royal colored choices include eggplant, plums, prunes, purple Belgian endive, purple cabbage, figs, raisins and more. This group lowers bad cholesterol, boosts immune system activity and limits the activity of cancer cells.
White. This color symbolizes purity and these plants are some of the strongest for their ability to fight infections. Garlic, onions and leeks are bursting with flavor and powerful phytochemicals that also lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
“Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” Claude Monet