Keep it Colorful! The Benefits of Eating a Variety of Colorful Foods

Written by Kelly Lawson

Part of the National Nutrition Month initiative

Fruits and vegetables are always a good thing to consume. However, did you know that different colored fruits and vegetables have different sets of benefits? For instance, dark green vegetables tend to be high in fiber, and orange vegetables are high in Vitamin A. So, not only is it a good idea to consume your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables every day, but it is also beneficial to eat with color! Eating with color will not only guarantee that you receive more than adequate nutrition, but nutrition that your body will love. Fruits and vegetables have the ability to fill you up without added calories, sugar, or fat. Here are some colorful examples:

·       Red tomatoes contain lycopene, an important antioxidant that oxidizes free radicals within your body.

·       Orange sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A that helps keep your vision the way it is.

·       Yellow bananas are filled with potassium to help prevent muscle cramps.

·       Green spinach is a great source of fiber to help fill you up.

·       Blue blueberries also have antioxidants.

·       Purple grapes are low in calories, but high in Vitamin C that maintains your immune system.

I’ve only listed a few food ideas. What others do you have to add? Do you have any ideas on incorporating color into the diet? Please feel free to comment and discuss!

References

Rainbow fruits/vegetables. (2010). [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://safefrommsg.blogspot.com/2010/05/which-are-leafy-green-veggies-bright.html

Like this post?  Read more Eat Right With Color posts!