Embrace a colorful
diet and get more nutrients with these seven foods.
From leafy greens to plump reds, each hue of color put on a plate signifies a treasure trove of essential nutrients. Let the plate be the palette, and savor a whole rainbow of foods for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
White | Garlic
Raw garlic contains approximately 200 chemical compounds, but its most beneficial compound is allicin. Allicin is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties. These therapeutic properties can help fight against certain cancers, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone and skin diseases, and other pathologies.
Purple | Cabbage
All varieties of cabbage contain many healthy compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber; but red cabbage (which is really more purple in color) happens to be high in anthocyanins, which can help lower blood pressure. Anthocyanins also help increase blood flow in areas of the brain linked to attention, language, and memory.
Blue | Blueberries
Rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium, blueberries offer a powerhouse of nutrients. Their combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important for maintaining bone health and helping prevent blood clotting.
Green | Kale
Kale is considered a superfood due to the high levels of fiber; carotenoids; manganese; and vitamins A, B6, C, K, and B9 it contains. These components help support the immune system, regulate blood pressure, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, protect against heart disease, and help prevent constipation.
Yellow | Lemons
Lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C, dietary fiber, citric acid, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Consuming moderate levels of lemon can help improve skin health, lower the risk of kidney stones, enhance iron absorption, bolster the immune system, and reduce blood pressure.
Orange | Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamins A, K, and C; potassium; fiber; calcium; iron; and antioxidants. These components support the immune system, heart, kidneys, and liver. The fiber in carrots can help keep blood sugar levels under control, and the vitamin A and beta carotene in carrots can lower the risk of diabetes.
Red | Cherries
Packed with vitamins C and B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, tart cherries can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and help muscles recover faster after exercise. Cherries can also help some people sleep better as they contain high levels of melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan.