Eat a Rainbow Everyday

We all have fruits and veggies that are our favorite go-to food choices. Maybe we always serve broccoli, or our kids eat an apple every day. And while that’s certainly good, the truth is, our bodies benefit from variety. So, for optimal health, we need a rainbow of colors and nutrients.

• Red, Blue and Purple: These foods offer anthocyanins that have antioxidant properties. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate.

Have you tried these red foods?  Red peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, apples, cranberries, cherries, red onions, pomegranate, beets

Try some of these blue and purple foods: blueberries, blackberries, red grapes, eggplant, plums, prunes, figs.

• Orange and Yellow: Carotenoids are what give these fruits and vegetables their color. Carotenoids may help improve your immune function and lower your risk for heart disease, vision problems and cancer. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that your body uses to create vitamin A.

Try some of these orange and yellow foods: oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, orange and yellow peppers, peaches, golden beets

• Green: Chlorophyll gives green fruits and vegetables their color. They may contain indoles, which lower your risk for cancer, and lutein, which helps prevent problems with your vision.

Have you tried these green foods? Broccoli, kale, romaine, peas, zucchini, avocado, edamame, spinach, asparagus, green grapes, Swiss chard

• White and Brown: These foods are sources of powerful phytonutrients. They may contribute to a healthy immune system, healthy heart and lower your risk of some cancers.

Have you tried? Bananas, brown pears, coconuts, cauliflower, fennel, ginger, mushrooms, onions, white asparagus, turnips, leeks, jicama

Why don’t you make it a goal to try one new food from each category each week? Your body and your health will thank you for it.

Source: www.foodrevolution.org