Add Color to Your Diet

The colors in our fruits and vegetables are indicators of different nutrients that are found within them. These nutrients can help fight diseases like cancer and heart disease. This is why it is important to have a rainbow of colors in the foods you eat each and every day. Salads are the best ways to get a myriad of colors in one meal. Have a salad with both lunch and dinner and even add a fruit salad to your breakfast. Use the foods mentioned in this article to come up with tasty creations for your diet and you will be reaping the benefits of healthful foods.

Red

Red produce is rich in lycopenes, which are said to have cancer fighting properties. Great picks for red fruits and vegetables include bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelons.

Orange

Orange produce contains beta-carotene, which helps to boost immune function. The best fruits and vegetables in this color are carrots, peaches, nectarines and mangoes.

Yellow

Yellow produce has a good amount of vitamin C in it which is ideal for blocking free radicals. Try adding more pears and pineapples to your diet.

Green

Green produce has phytochemicals that protect the body against cancer. They also have lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both antioxidants that can help the eyes. Find these nutrients in artichokes, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, green beans, kiwi, and even romaine lettuce.

Blue/Purple

These two colors have anthocyanis in them, which helps protect the skin from the effects of again. The best picks for blue and purple fruits are grapes and blueberries.

White

White produce has allicin and quercetin in them, nutrients that reduce heart disease. Help your heart by adding more onions and garlic to your diet.

It is easy and tasty to add a rainbow of colors to your diet. Try a stir fry with garlic, onions, green beans and bell peppers. Or, make yourself a refreshing fruit salad with any of the fruits previously listed. It's ideal to take in as many of these great fruits and vegetables as you can on a daily basis. Your body will thank you for it!