Research has shown that many fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, special compounds that have all kinds of good healthy benefits capable of everything from improving eyesight to reducing the risk of cancer.
The chemical names and biological processes of these phytonutrients might be too complex, but there is an easy way to incorporate them into your diet.
Fortunately, many nutrients are very pigments, the natural dyes that make fruits and vegetables a certain color. So to get all those health benefits, just be sure when “eat a rainbow†of colorful fruits and veggies every day.
Here are some of the important phytonutrients are also associated with each color:
Red fruits and veggies such as strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon and also cherries are associated with lycopene and anthocyanins that could help strengthen collagen proteins in the body and prevent lung, prostate and stomach cancers.
Orange produce such as carrots, squash, citrus and fresh melons are associated with beta-carotene and limuloids that could protect against chronic bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, reduce the risk of cataracts and lung cancer, and help decrease cholesterol levels.
Yellow veggies like yellow bell peppers, corn and legumes are very much associated with limuloids and beta-carotene, as well as zeaxanthin that have the added benefits of protecting vision and preventing tumors and cancer in the colon, breast and prostate glands.
Greens like spinach, collard greens, broccoli and good tomatillos are associated with lutein, saponins, and glucosinolates that could help preserve eyesight, maintain heart and skin health, increase enzyme activity to detoxify cancer-causing agents and help lower lipid levels.
Blue fruits like blueberries, grapes and plums are associated with anthocyanins that could strengthen collagen proteins and help prevent colon, cervical and prostate cancer.
Purple produce like grapes, raspberries and eggplant are also associated with anthocyanins as well as flavonoids that have the added benefit of providing anti-inflammatory and pain relief.