Enjoy the full spectrum of colorful foods for a more vibrant life
Colors in our home decor or clothing often reflect our personality or mood. It turns out the color of our foods also impact our overall well being. Including foods from the spectrum of colors adds more than a punch of flavor — it also delivers unique chemicals essential to healthy living.
Studies show that over 70 percent of Americans do not get enough variety in their diet, stuck in a routine, lackluster diet deficient in color or flavor. It’s time to spice things up a bit!
Red foods
Red foods are rich in antioxidants and are great in warding off disease and infection. Beets, strawberries and red bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and folic acid. Watermelons and tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which improves heart health.
Yellow/orange foods
Foods in this color range are packed with anti-oxidants, high in vitamin C, and great for immune-system building. Peaches, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, yellow bell peppers and oranges are rich in vitamin C and folic acid. Some fruits like pineapple are rich in bromelain, which is great for reducing swelling and inflammation.
Green foods
If you’re not a milk drinker, dark green leafy veggies like kale, collards and spinach are a great source of calcium and vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin A, which protects the eyes and is a great cancer-fighting agent.
Blue/purple foods
These colorful foods get their bright hue from anthocyanins, rich with antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Blue and purple foods help promote bone health and lower the risk of some cancers, improve memory, and increase urinary-tract health. Plums are rich in B vitamins and help with the body’s metabolism. Blackberries improve heart health, improve immunity, and lower cholesterol.
Incorporating rich, vibrant, colorful fruits and vegetables to your meal not only tastes good, but also provides a natural source of the vitamins and minerals missing in the average diet. Cut back on sugars, yeasts, breads and processed foods and add at least five servings of fresh foods each day.
Remember, focus on the perimeter of the grocery store, i.e. the produce section. You’ll notice that when your meals start to get a lil’ colorful and exciting, so will your life!
Anika Robbins is a beauty and wellness expert. A cosmetology educator, she is the co-owner of the Robbins Urban Wellness Retreat offering programs on chiropractic, nutrition, massage and beauty. She travels extensively promoting health, beauty and empowerment through her company, ANIKA INTERNATIONAL. She welcomes reader responses to 612-670-6355 or via email: anika@anikainternational.com.
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