Nature’s Color Code – Good for Your Health

Next time you are in the produce section of your super market or making a stop at your local produce stand take note of the multi-colored fruits and vegetables on display. A good cross section of these foods are good for your health and should make their way into your shopping cart – and your regular diet.

Here’s how to translate nature’s color code:

Red (Look for strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, and cherries)

These foods contain lycopene and anthocyanin phytonutrients which can help prevent certain types of cancer and strengthening collagen proteins (joints).

Yellow (Look for yellow peppers and corn)

These foods contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and liminoid phytonutrients, which protect vision as well as aiding in the prevention of breast and colon cancers.

Blue (Look for blueberries, grapes, and plums)

These foods contain anthocyanin phytonutrients which aid in the prevention of colon, cervical and prostate cancers.

Orange (Look for carrots, squash and melons)

These food contain beta-carotene and liminoid phytonutrients which aid in the protection against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts and lung cancer as well as help in lowering cholesterol.

Green (Look for spinach, broccoli and collard greens)

These foods contain lutein, saponins, and glucosinolates, phytonutrients, which protect eyesight, lower lipid levels, help to prevent cancer and assist in the maintenance of the heart and skin.

Purple (Look for grapes, raspberries, blackberries and eggplant)

These foods contain anthocyanin phytonutrients which aid in preventing cancer and assist the body as anti-inflammatories.

Add some color to your shopping cart and nutrition to your diet on your next grocery run.